Evidence and decisions

Understand what a sourcing result supports and what still needs approval.

Middleman shows where information came from, when it was observed, and what it can support.

Common evidence types

Evidence	Useful for	Check before relying on it
Public company or product page	Finding a manufacturer, supplier, or product lead	Identity, date, and whether the page is current
Listing or stock result	Understanding what one source reported	Condition, quantity, location, price basis, and observation time
Current quotation	Comparing a supplier’s stated commercial terms	Validity, delivery, tax, exclusions, and authorised recipient
Delivery or inspection record	Confirming an agreed outcome	Scope, acceptance criteria, date, and responsible party

Read every result in context

Before using a price or availability result, check:

• the source and observation time;
• the exact product and condition;
• quantity, minimum order, and unit;
• country, currency, tax, delivery, and collection terms;
• how long the information remains valid;
• whether it is research, a listing, or a firm quotation.

An empty result means Middleman found no matching published evidence for that request. It does not prove that the item is unavailable.

Approval remains explicit

Public API and agent responses are read-only. Contact, acceptance, ordering, payment, and publication proceed only after the responsible person reviews the exact action.

When a detail is missing or uncertain, Middleman keeps it visible for review.

Open the glossary

Check the exact meaning of requirement, product, listing, observation, quotation, and approval.