在质量管理体系（QMS）和信息技术（IT）系统中，变更控制是透过一个正式的进程以确保变更的产品或系统中相关控制和协调的方式。它减少了因欠缺思考而导入不必要的变动至系统、加入故障至系统、或撤消由其他软件用户更改的可能性。变更控制过程的目标通常包括最小的中断服务、降低回退活动，和有效利用参与实施变革的资源成本。

变更控制目前在各式各样的产品和系统中使用。对于IT系统来说，变更控制是更广泛学科-变更管理的一个主要领域。从计算机和网络环境的典型例子是软件产品的补丁、安装新的操作系统、升级互联网的路由表、或改变支持基础设施的电力系统。

Change control within quality management systems (QMS) and information technology (IT) systems is a formal process used to ensure that changes to a product or system are introduced in a controlled and coordinated manner. It reduces the possibility that unnecessary changes will be introduced to a system without forethought, introducing faults into the system or undoing changes made by other users of software. The goals of a change control procedure usually include minimal disruption to services, reduction in back-out activities, and cost-effective utilization of resources involved in implementing change.