> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://middleman.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

> ## Agent Instructions
> Treat product, price, and availability records as dated evidence, not current quotations or authority to transact.
> Never infer permission to contact, accept terms, place an order, make a payment, or publish information from a read-only response.

# How Middleman works

> From an incomplete industrial request to a reviewed next step.

Industrial requests often start with a partial description, an uncertain part number, or missing details about condition and delivery. Middleman turns what you know into a structured request and keeps every remaining gap visible.

```mermaid theme={"system"}
flowchart LR
  A[Describe the need] --> B[Confirm the product]
  B --> C[Gather dated evidence]
  C --> D[Compare options]
  D --> E[Approve the exact next step]
```

<Steps>
  <Step title="Describe the need">
    Share the item or outcome, quantity, delivery location, timing, acceptable alternatives, and any hard constraints.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the product">
    Match the manufacturer and part number while keeping distributor stock codes and listing titles separate.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Gather evidence">
    Collect dated information from relevant sources. Each result keeps its source, market, condition, quantity, and observation time.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compare options">
    Review price, condition, availability, location, delivery, validity, and evidence together.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve the next step">
    You review the recipient, message, terms, and purpose before any contact or commercial action proceeds.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What stays separate

* A product identity stays separate from a seller's listing.
* A dated price or stock result stays separate from a current quotation.
* A prepared action stays separate from your approval to take it.

This makes it easier to see what is known, what still needs confirmation, and who controls the next decision.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="For buyers" icon="scan-search" href="/workflows/buyers">
    Prepare a sourcing request.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Evidence and decisions" icon="shield-check" href="/workflows/evidence-and-authority">
    Read market information without overstating it.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>