Procedure versioning: what it is and what it means

Procedure versioning is the formal system for tracking changes to an operating document. It follows the major.minor principle: the major version changes when the operating logic of the process is substantially modified; the minor version changes for targeted updates to details. Decorative versioning, which raises the number for cosmetic edits, drains the system of meaning and leads people to stop trusting the version number.

Distinctive: major.minor principle
Distinctive: decorative versioning
Essential: tracking changes
Essential: operating logic of the process
Constant: major version
Constant: minor version

Glossary

Procedure versioning

A formal system for tracking changes to an operating document according to the major.minor principle, which separates substantive changes from targeted updates.