ECM Release Process

All,

I know there is a release process when we use ECR/ECO. But we are not using ECR/ECO. We are using basic ECM functionality but I am looking for a release process. Let me explain with example

Lets say I change a BOM or class/characteristic with ECM, I do not want the changes to be active unless someone releases the changes. This can be achieved through release key, but problem is release key cannot be used on Materials, class, characteristics etc (there is an OSS note to activate these object types , but release key cannot be used on them).

Is there any we can manage this process without using ECR/ECO. Thanks

Atul