What does 'Audit' signify in the context of compliance for CIs?

In the context of compliance for Configuration Items (CIs), 'Audit' signifies a method to check the actual state versus the desired state. This process is critical in ensuring that the CIs are aligned with the standards and expectations set by the organization. The audit verifies whether the configurations of CIs meet compliance requirements and identifies any discrepancies or gaps that need addressing.

Conducting audits allows organizations to maintain regulatory compliance, improve quality assurance, and enhance overall governance. By comparing the actual configurations against the desired configurations, teams can assess compliance with policies, standards, and best practices, thereby ensuring effective management of IT assets and minimizing risks associated with misconfigurations or non-compliance.

The focus on verifying the alignment between the current state and the expected status underlines the importance of maintaining control and oversight over CI management, which is fundamental in adherence to regulatory frameworks.