The CM2 Configuration Management Framework

CM2 is IPX's proprietary, cross-industry configuration management and digital thread framework — a global standard developed and maintained since 1986 that helps enterprises align people, processes, systems, and data across the full product lifecycle.

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The CM2 Framework as a Standard.

IPX positions CM2 as a cross-industry standard for interoperability, traceability, and digital-thread discipline. It provides a common structure for aligning people, processes, systems, and data so organizations can manage change with greater consistency and confidence.

What is the CM2 Framework?

CM2 is a business framework and operating model built to reduce the disruption caused by poor information integrity. It extends beyond traditional configuration management by connecting requirements, design, production, service, and end of life in one managed enterprise system.

Why is it so effective?

Most organizations treat data as a support function. IPX treats it as your organization's digital DNA , the information blueprint that determines whether your products, processes, and decisions are reliable and repeatable.

CM2 sequences your enterprise's digital DNA so that product definition and supporting data threads mesh into a cohesive, traceable fabric. From requirements and design through production, service, and end of life.

The result: organizations that make decisions with confidence, control change without chaos, and build products that consistently meet the commitments made to customers.

CM2 Training
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Flowchart showing stages from product concept to end with data incorporating design, production, and service steps.Diagram showing product lifecycle stages: concept, design, production, service, and end with key process steps.

What is the CM2-500 Standard?

CM2-500 provides the structural foundation for how organizations identify configuration items, control change, manage baselines, and maintain traceability — across every function that touches the product lifecycle.

What is the CM2-600 Standard?

CM2-600 helps organizations align their digital systems (PLM, ERP, MES, RMS) with the CM2 framework so that data flows consistently and traceably from design intent through production and service — without system silos breaking the information chain.

Table listing CM2 core business process categories with CM2-500 operating standards and CM2-600 tool requirements counts.
enabling digital tools

The Right Tool can Make All the Difference.

Digital tools for Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Requirements Management, and other enterprise data management needs can play a critical role in supporting CM2 across day-to-day operations.

Selecting New Digital Tools

Choosing the right digital tools requires more than comparing features. IPX takes a holistic, end-to-end process approach to help organizations assess their needs, evaluate options objectively, and select tools that fit the enterprise. With an outside perspective and deep CM2 expertise, IPX helps reduce internal bias, clarify requirements, and guide teams toward tools that can support long-term process excellence.

Optimizing Existing Tools

If your organization already has digital tools in place, the next step is making sure they are configured to support CM2 as effectively as possible. IPX experts assess the configuration of your current tools, review the processes connected to them, identify CM2-alignment opportunities, and help implement practical improvements that allow your teams to get more value from the technology they already use.

CM2 Enabling PLM Tools
The following Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) digital tools are recognized as providing foundational CM2-enabling functionality:
Aras Innovator
Aras Innovator is an open, adaptable PLM and digital thread platform that combines product data management, low-code configuration, and application capabilities.
Arena PLM
Arena PLM is a cloud-native product lifecycle management platform that centralizes product information, people, and processes to improve collaboration from design through development and production.
Autodesk PLM
Autodesk Fusion Manage is Autodesk’s cloud-based PLM solution for improving workflows and collaboration across product development teams. It offers configurable PLM processes, scalability, and integration options with systems like PDM, ERP, and CRM.
PSA, Inc. CMPRO
CMPRO by PSA is a PLM and configuration management platform built for highly regulated industries such as aerospace, defense, and medical devices. It supports product lifecycle, configuration, inventory, and engineering data management with an emphasis on compliance and quality-system requirements.  
Dassault Systemes Enovia
ENOVIA is Dassault Systèmes’ PLM solution on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, helping teams manage product data, collaboration, governance, and innovation processes.
Oracle PLM
Oracle Fusion Cloud PLM is a collaborative product lifecycle platform for structuring product data and processes across innovation, development, and commercialization. It helps manage items, parts, documents, requirements, engineering change orders, quality workflows, and related lifecycle information.  
Propel PLM
Propel PLM is a cloud-native, AI-powered product lifecycle management solution that helps teams manage product development from concept to market. Its broader platform combines PLM, QMS, PIM, collaboration, and product data thread capabilities.
PTC Windchill
PTC Windchill is an enterprise PLM system for managing product data, collaboration, quality, compliance, and digital-thread processes across complex manufacturing organizations. Its open architecture supports integrations with enterprise systems such as ERP while giving teams traceable access to product information.  
SAP PLM
SAP PLM helps organizations digitalize product development and connect product lifecycle data across the broader supply chain. It supports product development, system integrations, project management, compliance, and digital-thread initiatives tied to SAP’s enterprise ecosystem.
Siemens Teamcenter
Siemens Teamcenter is a broad PLM platform that connects people, processes, and product data through a single source of information across the product lifecycle. It supports planning, development, change management, collaboration, and delivery across cloud, on-premise, and SaaS deployment models.
Certifications

Credentials that open doors

CM2 certification is grounded in IPX's decades of real world implementation experience and structured to build organizational capability, not just individual knowledge.

01

CM2-Core

CM2-CORE

CM2-CORE

Practitioners of the change and configuration management process or those who are working on a graduate degree and are looking to understand the benefits and ROI of CM2 foundational principles.

CORE Requirements
Completion of courses CM2-01 through CM2-06 and successfully pass the CM2-CORE exam.
Benefits
  • Foundational Knowledge: Foundational understanding of CM2 principles and practices.
  • Practical Application: Equips individuals with the skills to actively participate in and manage change and configuration processes.
  • Ability to identify and fix common problems in the change process.
  • CM2-CORE Certification: Recognized certification that validates the individual’s capability in CM2.
  • Credits Available: CM2-CORE certified individuals can apply for collegiate level credits to an existing degree program at FHSU.
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02

CM2-PRO

CM2-PRO

CM2-PRO

Professionals seeking an expanded understanding of CM2 standards and how to apply these to benefit the larger organization.

PRO Requirements
Completion of courses CM2-01 through CM2-09 and successfully pass the CM2-CORE and CM2-PRO exams.
Benefits
  • Enterprise-Level Insight: In-depth knowledge of how CM2 standards can be expanded to benefit the entire enterprise.
  • Operational Scaling: Transitioning from engineering-centric problem solving to enterprise-wide architecture, driving efficiency across the entire organizational ecosystem.
  • CM2-PRO Certification: Professional certification that demonstrates a higher level of expertise in CM2.
  • Credits Available: CM2-PRO certified individuals can apply for collegiate level credits to an existing degree program at FHSU.
View Course
03

CM2-Expert

CM2-Expert

CM2-Expert

Advanced professionals who desire authorization to train CM2 certification courses within their respective organization.

Expert Requirements
Completion of CM2-01 through CM2-09 and achievement of CM2-PRO certification, along with demonstrated ability to lead and train individuals to attain CM2-CORE and/or CM2-PRO level certifications. Contact info@ipxhq.com for more information on the process of becoming a CM2-Expert.
Benefits
  • CM2-Expert Implementation: Proven ability to implement CM2 best practices within a consuming organization.
  • Training Capability: Authorized to train others in CM2 courseware on behalf of IPX or a CM2-Partner within their respective organization only. The authorized courses for CM2-Expert can vary based on specific business needs.
  • Global Impact: Contributes to the expansion of enterprise excellence globally through training, mentoring and fostering the implementation of CM2 standards.
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04

CM2-Partner

CM2-Partner

CM2-Partner

CM2-PRO certificate holders aspiring to become IPX global partners can do so. CM2-Partners are eligible to establish their own IPX-approved CM2 training companies, promoting CM2 best practices and associated content.

Partner Prerequisites
Completion of CM2-01 through CM2-09 and achievement of CM2-PRO level certification, along with demonstrated ability to lead and train individuals to attain CM2-CORE and CM2-PRO level certifications.
  • CM2-PRO certification obtained and maintained for 5+ years.
  • Desired territory must not be on contract by an existing IPX CM2-Partner.
  • Maintain a minimum of four CM2-CORE series per year, and a minimum of one CM2-PRO series with a satisfactory instructor rating.
Benefits
  • Master Implementation: Proven ability to consistently provide CM2 instruction at the highest level of quality.
  • Training Capability: Authorized to lead a team of CM2-Experts to train others in CM2 courseware on behalf of IPX.
  • Global Impact: This regional expert greatly amplifies the expansion of enterprise excellence globally through training, mentoring and fostering the implementation of CM2 standards.
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Ready to Align Your Enterprise Around a Common Standard?

Reach out to our team to learn how CM2 can improve traceability, control change, and create the operational discipline your enterprise needs to grow confidently.

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