Operations
Operations is not a separate phase but an integral part of the continuous delivery lifecycle.
In a DevOps model, the team that builds the system also runs and maintains it.
Operation & Maintenance Plan
Defines how systems are operated, maintained, and kept compliant and secure throughout their lifecycle. Ensures systems meet operational, regulatory, and quality standards.
Regulatory note: Some regulated processes require digital signature.
Templates: Operation & Maintenance Plan
Problem Management
Use blameless post-mortems for all significant incidents. Document findings for future learning and prevention.
Templates: Blameless Post Mortem
Operational Procedures
Periodic Evaluation
Regular assessment of system health, compliance, and alignment with business needs.
Activities:
- Review system performance against SLAs
- Assess technical debt and improvement opportunities
- Validate continued fitness for intended use
- Update risk assessments based on usage changes
Frequency: Annually (mandatory for regulated systems, recommended for others)
User Access Review
Validates that system access remains appropriate and secure.
Activities:
- Review all active user accounts
- Verify access levels match current roles
- Remove inactive or unnecessary accounts
- Document changes and justifications
Frequency: Annually minimum; more frequent for high-risk systems
Defects & Incidents
| Term | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Defect | A flaw in software that causes incorrect behavior or failure to meet requirements | Bug in code, incorrect data display, scan vulnerability |
| Incident | An unplanned interruption or reduction in quality of IT services requiring immediate attention | System outage, application crash, network connectivity issue |
Defects
Document all defects detected after Production Deployment by adding items to the backlog.
Requirements:
- Each defect must have a unique identifier
- Link fixes to defect reports
- Document root cause analysis for critical defects
- Track defect trends for quality improvements
Templates: Defect
Incidents
Record all production incidents in the IT service management system. Complete the incident template to ensure traceability.
Process:
- Create incident reports using template
- Link incident resolution to code changes
- Conduct Blameless Post Mortem for significant incidents
Templates: Incident
Tutorials | How-to Guides | Explanation | Reference
You are here: Explanation — understanding-oriented discussion that clarifies concepts.