Audited Objects (AO) is a tool for the analysis and optimization of automated software processes such as builds. When a build process is run under AO control, each command executed is recorded in a central database along with a record of each file opened by that command and its state (checksum/size/timestamp) as of the instant it was opened. A full copy of each modified file is stored in the database as well. AO has much in common with clearmake, the IBM Rational build tool, but unlike clearmake it's not a build tool per se; instead, it injects its auditing capabilities into the build tool of your choice. See the website at http://audited-objects.sourceforge.net/ for more information.