This Section of the IMS Handbook describes the tools and workflows used to manage Anomalies in IMS. Anomaly Management enables consistent identification, classification, risk assessment, response selection, tracking, and closure of abnormal conditions discovered during inspections, measurement activities, and CML evaluations. The module aligns PEI, Civil, and PLSS workflows into a single, unified Anomaly lifecycle.
An Anomaly is a record that tracks an abnormal condition (a Finding) over time. Unlike a Finding on its own, an Anomaly has a Details Page and can accumulate multiple Assessment revisions as more information becomes available across successive inspections.
The Anomaly Lifecycle
Identify — A Finding is raised from an ECH, or an Anomaly is linked directly from a CML, Measurement Set, Circuit, or Equipment Condition History.
Describe — The Anomaly is given a name, description, type classification, and location details.
Link findings and measurement data — Related inspection findings, CMLs, and Measurement Sets are linked to the Anomaly as they occur, so its history reflects everywhere the condition has been observed or measured.
Assess risk — An Assessment revision is created. The assessor plots the condition on the configured Anomaly Risk Assessment matrix, once unmitigated (before controls) and again mitigated (after controls).
Review recommended actions — Based on the Assessment's data (class, risk position, etc.), IMS surfaces one or more Recommended Actions. Selecting one can auto-generate a pre-filled Schedule or Action Item List.
Review and approve — The Assessment moves through an approval workflow (Draft → Reviewed → Final Approved).
Track revisions — At the next inspection, a new revision is added. If the Anomaly is being monitored on a recurring Schedule, the prior revision's data is automatically carried forward onto the new cycle.
Close — Once the condition no longer requires monitoring, the Anomaly is closed and its closure time is recorded for reporting on the Anomaly Insights Dashboard.