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

# Matching, deviations, and evidence

> How AI product–tender matching works, what deviations are, and why evidence matters more than invented cells.

# Matching, deviations, and evidence

Orbid compares structured tender parameters to product specifications and surfaces meet / partial / gap style outcomes with deviations for review. **Do not** rely on AI matching alone when catalog data is incomplete or clauses need counsel. Prefer evidenced values; residuals beat invention.

## Details

* **Formal match** — After product lock; not rank alone
* **Deviation** — Documented difference vs requirement
* **Evidence** — Datasheet / cert / catalog field
* **Human** — Always review before submit

## Related

* [Rank vs formal match](/faq/rank-vs-formal-match) · [Match workflow](/guides/workflows/match-and-review-gaps) · [Trust](/guides/trust-and-judgment)