Best ITIL Change Management with Free Templates, Samples & Checklist

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, ITIL change management stands as a guardian, ensuring that changes to IT systems enhance capability without disrupting service.

Imagine orchestrating a flawless ballet of code and hardware, where each move, however small or substantial, is methodically planned, reviewed, and executed to maintain the delicate balance of business operations. ITIL change management isn’t just about avoiding disasters; it’s about elevating performance.

As organizations grow and adapt, the importance of managing technical change seamlessly becomes paramount. ITIL change management is a critical process within IT Service Management (ITSM) that aims to control and manage the lifecycle of all changes to IT services, infrastructure, applications, and other configuration items. It aims to efficiently and effectively manage changes to avoid disruptions, minimize risks, and ensure smooth operations.

The three main types of ITIL change management are (1) Standard, (2) Normal, and (3) Emergency, categorized based on risk and complexity. ITIL V3 and ITIL V4 are different versions of the ITIL framework. While ITIL V3 focuses on controlling the lifecycle of all changes, ITIL V4 addresses modern complexities and emphasizes value co-creation.

The ITIL change management process flow consists of five key stages:
(1) Request for Change (RFC), (2) Change Evaluation, (3) Change Approval, (4) Change Implementation, and (5) Change Review and Closure.
Each stage involves specific activities and interactions between stakeholders to ensure controlled and efficient change management.

ITIL maturity model, consisting of 5 levels, is used to assess an organization’s level of maturity in implementing ITIL change management best practices such as establishing a formal change management process, categorizing and prioritizing changes, building a Change Advisory Board (CAB), and maintaining a centralized change record.

To further facilitate change management, we’ve provided you with ITIL template resources, such as ITIL change management process template, ITIL change request template, ITIL incident report template, and IT change management policy template that you can utilize in your organization.

Additionally, using online ITIL change management tools and ITIL change management software, can help streamline change efforts, track metrics, and align with industry-standard methodologies.

itil change management process

ITIL Change Management Summary

Detailed Section – Overview

We hope you found the summary section above helpful. If interested in reading further, see the detailed sections below which provide you with a comprehensive overview of ITIL change management, guiding you through everything you need to know – from change management definition ITIL to ITIL change management types.

In addition to that, we will delve into the ITIL framework for change management, discussing the scope of change management and the ITIL maturity model. But that’s not all! We’ll also take an in-depth look at the ITIL change management process. This will include detailed steps such as Request for Change (RFC), Change Evaluation, Approval, Implementation, Review, and Closure.

For those who prefer a visual approach, we’ve included a helpful ITIL Change Management Process Flow Diagram to enhance your understanding. To make your journey even more convenient, we have provided you with essential downloadable ITIL change management tools and templates and IT change management best practices.

Our goal is to equip you with all the necessary knowledge and resources to understand and apply ITIL change management in your IT projects. So, by the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of ITIL change management and how it can be practically implemented in your projects.

itil change

Change Management ITIL – 2024 Guide

Get ready to learn everything you must know about change management for IT sector. For those of you looking for free ITIL template resources, ITIL incident report template, samples, and checklists that can be utilized to implement and streamline their change management processes, you’re at the right place.

If you’re ready to learn about change management for IT, see the Table of Contents below for a detailed step-by-step overview.

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DETAILED SECTION

If you’re eager to learn more about ITIL, proceed to our detailed sections below that provide a detailed overview.

Table of Contents: Guide on IT Change Management Best Practices

Keep on scrolling down this page to read each section or click any link below to go directly to that section.

  1. What is ITIL Change Management? | ITIL Change Definition
  2. ITIL Change Management Types
    1. ITIL Standard Change Management
    2. ITIL Normal Change Management
    3. ITIL Emergency Change Management
    1. ITIL Maturity Model – ITIL Change Management Framework
    2. What is Change Management ITIL V3?
    3. What is Change Management ITIL V4?
    1. Request for Change (RFC)
    2. Change Evaluation
    3. Change Approval
    4. Change Implementation
    5. Change Review and Closure

    In order to understand the full scope of change management ITIL we need to start with the ITIL change management definition.

    What is Change Management ITIL? | ITIL Change Management Definition

    In the dynamic world of Information Technology, changes are inevitable.

    However, managing these changes efficiently and effectively is crucial to avoid disruptions, minimize risks, and ensure seamless operations.

    This is where ITIL change management comes into play.

    ITIL change management is a fundamental process within IT Service Management (ITSM) that aims to control and manage the lifecycle of all changes to IT services, infrastructure, applications, and other configuration items (CIs).

    What is the ITIL change definition?

    Change management definition ITIL refers to the addition, modification, or removal of any hardware, software, infrastructure, network, or other IT component that could have an impact on IT services or the business as a whole.

    This ITIL change definition emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of the IT environment when managing changes to ensure that business continuity and service quality are not compromised.

    ITIL change can range from minor routine updates to major system overhauls. With ITIL change management definition laid out, it’s time to define different types of change management in ITIL.

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    Do you need more information about ITIL 4 overview assessment or ITIL V4 change management in general? Please reach out and let us know.

    ITIL Change Management Types

    There are three main types of change management in ITIL that organizations can use to manage changes within their IT environment. These ITIL change management types are defined based on the level of risk and complexity associated with the changes being implemented.

    The three types of change management in ITIL are:

    1. ITIL Standard Change Management
    2. ITIL Normal Change Management
    3. ITIL Emergency Change Management

    Let’s take a look at each of the ITIL change management types to get a better understanding of what they’re about.

    1. ITIL Standard Change Management – ITIL Standard Change Examples

    ITIL standard change management incorporates pre-authorized and low-risk changes that are frequently occurring and well understood. ITIL standard change is typically of low impact and is considered routine and straightforward.

    it change management

    Types of Change Management in ITIL

    ITIL standard change examples include:

    Since these ITIL standard change examples are pre-approved and well-documented, they do not require the same level of scrutiny and formal approval as other types of changes.

    ITIL standard change management allows organizations to streamline and expedite the implementation of routine changes while maintaining control and consistency.

    2. ITIL Normal Change Management

    Normal change ITIL management is more significant in terms of risk and impact compared to standard change but is still well-defined and has known outcomes.

    Normal change ITIL involves more complexity and may require formal approval and assessment by the Change Advisory Board (CAB) or ITIL change manager. ITIL normal change management often requires a detailed change plan, ITIL change management plan template, and risk analysis before implementation.

    ITIL normal change management strikes a balance between efficiently implementing changes and minimizing risks. Specific examples of changes that would fall under normal change ITIL management are:

    These IT normal change examples illustrate changes that are more significant in scope, complexity, and potential impact compared to standard changes.

    Overall, ITIL normal change management ensures that these changes are carefully evaluated and managed to minimize disruptions and maximize successful outcomes. Looking for an IT change management process template? Get in further down in this comprehensive guide on change management for IT.

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    3. ITIL Emergency Change Management

    ITIL emergency change management changes are unplanned and urgent changes that need to be implemented immediately to address critical situations, such as system failures or security incidents.

    These changes carry a higher level of risk and can be disruptive to IT services if not managed effectively. Emergency changes are implemented as quickly as possible to restore service functionality or mitigate threats.

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    Emergency IT Change Management System

    Here are some specific examples of changes that would fall under ITIL emergency change management:

    By categorizing changes into these three ITIL change management types, ITIL helps organizations apply appropriate levels of control, review, and approval based on the risks and impacts of the changes.

    Now that we have all the types of change management in ITIL covered, we’ll get a good grasp of ITIL framework change management. Next, we’ll move to the IT change management process.

    ITIL Framework Change Management

    When delving into the world of ITIL change management, you might encounter a plethora of information. This is due to the immense popularity of the ITIL change management framework and the significance of both ITIL v3 change management and the newly released ITIL 4 change management process.

    The ITIL change management framework encompasses the full lifecycle of information technology management, with the ITIL change process being a vital part of it.

    Change Management Scope

    Change management is the process of controlling the lifecycle of all changes to an IT service or system, ensuring that only approved and authorized changes are implemented.

    The change management scope typically includes:

    Incident, Change, and Problem Management | ITIL Incident Problem Change

    Incident, change, and problem management are 3 processes that are integral parts of the ITIL framework and work closely together to ensure the smooth operation and improvement of IT services.

    Incident Management | Incident, Change, and Problem Management: Incident management focuses on restoring normal service operations as quickly as possible following any disruption.

    It involves logging, categorizing, prioritizing, and resolving incidents, thereby minimizing the impact on business operations. The best way to capture ITIL incident problem change is with the help of the ITIL incident report template.

    Keep on reading to find our copy of ITIL incident report template further down in this article.

    Change Management | Incident, Change, and Problem Management: As discussed earlier, change management is responsible for controlling the lifecycle of all changes. It evaluates and approves changes to minimize risk and potential disruptions to IT services and the business.

    Problem Management| Incident, Change, and Problem Management: Problem Management aims to identify and address the root causes of incidents and recurring problems. It involves analyzing incident data, conducting root cause analysis, and initiating corrective actions to prevent future incidents from occurring.

    ITIL Maturity Model – ITIL Change Management Framework

    The ITIL maturity model is a framework that helps organizations assess their level of maturity in implementing ITIL change management best practices.

    It provides a structured approach to understanding an organization’s current state and identifies areas for improvement. The ITIL maturity model typically consists of multiple levels or stages, each representing different levels of process maturity.

    The common levels in the ITIL Maturity Model are:

    itil change model

    ITIL Maturity Model

    The ITIL maturity model serves as a benchmark to help organizations understand where they stand in their ITIL journey and guide them in setting realistic improvement goals.

    Advancing through the maturity levels typically requires commitment from top management, adequate resources, training, and a culture of continuous improvement.

    The goal is to progress from an ad hoc and reactive approach to a more mature, proactive, and efficient IT service management framework that aligns with business objectives and enhances customer satisfaction. Next, we’ll discuss the difference between change management ITIL v3 and change enablement ITIL 4.

    Let’s get right into it!

    Do you have any questions about change model ITIL or ITIL change management examples? Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know.

    What is Change Management ITIL V3?

    Change Management ITIL V3 refers to one of the core processes within the IT change management framework. ITIL V3 change management is ITIL framework change management that provides ITIL change management best practices for managing IT services and processes to deliver value to customers and align IT with business needs.

    Change Management ITIL V3 Process

    The change management ITIL V3 process focuses on controlling the lifecycle of all changes to IT services and infrastructure. Its primary objective is to ensure that changes are properly evaluated, authorized, prioritized, and implemented with minimal disruption to IT services and business operations.

    Key Components of ITIL V3 Change Management

    This IT change management policy ensures that all stakeholders follow a standardized and consistent approach to change management.

    Benefits of ITIL V3 Change Management Include:

    In summary, ITIL V3 change management is a critical process that enables organizations to manage changes effectively, reduce risks, and ensure the stable and efficient delivery of IT services to meet business objectives.

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    What is Change Management ITIL V4?

    Change Management ITIL V4 is a fundamental practice that remains essential in guiding organizations through the process of planning, evaluating, and implementing changes to IT services and related components.

    ITIL4 change management is the latest evolution of the IT change management framework, designed to address the modern complexities of IT service delivery and value co-creation in a dynamic business environment.

    Key Characteristics of ITIL V4 Change Management

    ITIL V4 change enablement terminology emphasizes the proactive nature of change, encouraging organizations to embrace change as an opportunity for improvement and innovation rather than merely reacting to it as a disruptive force.

    change management itil v4

    ITIL4 Change Management

    What You Need to Know About Change Enablement ITIL 4

    Change Enablement in ITIL 4 refers to a crucial set of practices and principles that empower organizations to embrace change as a positive force and enhance their ability to deliver value to customers and stakeholders.

    It is one of the key components within the ITIL framework change management, focusing on fostering a culture of agility, innovation, and continual improvement.

    ⋅ Embracing Change as an Opportunity

    ITIL change enablement emphasizes the importance of viewing change not just as a disruption but as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

    ⋅ Flexibility and Adaptability:

    ITIL change enablement encourages organizations to be flexible and open to new ideas, allowing them to respond quickly to emerging opportunities and challenges.

    ⋅ Collaboration and Communication:

    It involves engaging employees, customers, partners, and other key players to foster a shared understanding of the vision and goals behind the changes.

    ⋅ Change Management Process:

    Change enablement ITIL 4 is a critical component of Service Management Practices. It includes the change management process, which guides the assessment, authorization, and implementation of changes to IT services and related components.

    ⋅ Co-Creation of Value:

    Change Enablement aligns with the core principle of ITIL 4 – value co-creation. By involving all relevant parties in the change process, organizations can collaboratively create value for customers, ensuring that changes are designed to meet their needs and expectations.

    ⋅ Continuous Improvement:

    ITIL change enablement fosters a culture of continual improvement by encouraging organizations to learn from each change initiative.

    ⋅ Innovation and Creativity:

    ITIL V4 change enablement promotes innovation and creativity by creating an environment where new ideas are welcomed and experimentation is encouraged.

    ⋅ Risk Management:

    While encouraging change, change enablement ITIL 4 also emphasizes the importance of managing risks associated with change.

    ⋅ Leadership Support:

    For effective change enablement, strong leadership support is essential as they play a key role in the change.

    Let’s now simplify the concept of ITIL and change management with an overview of the ITIL change management workflow.

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    ITIL V4 Change Management

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    What is ITIL Change Management Process? | How Does Change Management for IT Work?

    The ITIL change management process is a systematic approach to controlling and managing changes to IT services, infrastructure, applications, and other configuration items (CIs) within an organization.

    ITIL change process aims to ensure that any IT change instances are implemented with minimal risk and disruption to IT operations and business services.

    The ITIL change management process flow typically involves the following key stages:

    1. Request for Change (RFC)
    2. Change Evaluation
    3. Change Approval
    4. Change Implementation
    5. Change Review and Closure

    In the sections below we’ll go over each of the stages of the ITIL change process along with ITIL change management examples.

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    1. Request for Change (RFC) – ITIL Change Management Process Flow

    The change process ITIL begins with the submission of a formal Request for Change (RFC).

    What is the ITIL change request definition?

    ITIL change request definition refers to a documented request that outlines the proposed change, including its:

    The request for ITIL change can be initiated by various stakeholders, including end-users, IT staff, or management.

    The change request is a crucial starting point in the IT change management process flow, as it initiates the evaluation, approval, and implementation of the proposed change.

    it change management process flow

    Request for Change (RFC) – Change Management in IT Projects

    The change process ITIL request and ITIL change request template typically include the following key information:

    The information provided in the change request is critical for the evaluation and decision-making processes during the IT change management process flow.

    By using ITIL change management process document or documenting and evaluating change requests, organizations can make informed decisions, minimize risks, and improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of their ITIL change management process and practices.

    Looking for an IT change management form template for request? Read on, and find your copy of the ITIL change request template/ IT change management form template further down in this article.

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    2. Change Evaluation – ITIL Change Management Process Flow

    Once the Request for Change (RFC) is submitted, the ITIL change manager and the team kick off the crucial phase of change evaluation.

    This stage is pivotal in the IT change management process as it involves a comprehensive ITIL assessment of the proposed change’s viability and potential impact on the organization’s IT environment.

    The goal is to make informed decisions regarding whether to approve, modify, or reject the change based on its feasibility, risks, and expected benefits.

    ⋅ Thorough Analysis of Feasibility: During the change evaluation, the ITIL change management team thoroughly analyzes the proposed change to determine its feasibility.

    This involves scrutinizing various aspects, such as: