DailyWF / Reference

Change vs Incident

Distinguish planned change from unplanned service disruption.

Type: Reference noteVersion: v7

Plain-language explanation

Change vs Incident is a practical concept page. Use it to align language before writing a workflow, policy, or review record.

How to apply it

  1. Keep definitions operational rather than academic.
  2. Tie the term to decisions people actually make.
  3. Use examples and counterexamples when confusion is likely.

Expected output

A plain-language reference note that helps users choose the right workflow, policy, or template.

Common failure mode

Approving work without rollback, validation, or communication expectations.

Use notes

Use withLink this note from workflows and policies where the term affects decisions.
AvoidDo not turn definitions into rules unless a policy page owns the requirement.
Review pointRevise when repeated questions show the explanation is still ambiguous.

Related pages

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