Find records and follow the evidence
Use identity, relationships, and history to answer an operational question.
Search for the thing you know
Begin with a record code, name, lot, document, or related reference. Narrow by record type and available filters. Check the selected workspace and scope if expected information is missing.
An empty result, a record you cannot access, and evidence that is not yet available are different conditions. Avoid interpreting all three as proof that no record exists.
Follow the relationships
- Open the record and confirm its identity.
- Follow the source instruction, material, result, or linked work item.
- Check the current state and the revision applicable to the question.
- Use history to understand who changed or decided what.
- For an external review, agree the scope and permissions of the evidence you share.
Distinguish source, interpretation, and decision
An uploaded instrument file is a source. A parsed measurement is an interpretation of that source. An approved result is a decision against a method and criteria. Preserve these relationships when investigating a discrepancy.
For audit or validation work, start with the requirement or decision and trace its supporting evidence. Check completeness and applicability rather than counting attachments.