What Is a Change Advisory Board (CAB)?
A Change Advisory Board (CAB) is a group responsible for reviewing and approving significant changes to production systems. CAB meetings bring together stakeholders from development, operations, security, and business teams to evaluate proposed changes.
The goal of the CAB is to ensure that changes are implemented safely and with minimal risk.
Responsibilities of a CAB
Typical responsibilities include:
- Reviewing change requests.
- Assessing potential risks.
- Approving or rejecting proposed changes.
- Coordinating release schedules.
CAB members help ensure that changes align with organizational policies and operational priorities.
Benefits of CAB Governance
Organizations that use CAB processes benefit from:
- Improved decision making.
- Reduced deployment risk.
- Better communication between teams.
- Stronger compliance controls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participates in a CAB meeting?
CAB meetings typically include representatives from development, operations, security, and business leadership.
Are CAB meetings required for all changes?
Not always. Many organizations use risk‑based policies where only high‑impact changes require CAB approval.
How does software help CAB processes?
Change management software automates approval workflows, provides visibility into pending changes, and maintains records of CAB decisions.