> ## 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.

# What is product lock?

> Product lock means choosing one catalog model for formal tender match. Rank shortlists are not the same as locked formal match.

# What is product lock?

**Product lock** means you choose **one** catalog model as the candidate for **formal** matching against the tender. Until a product is locked, ranking or search is only a shortlist—not a compliance comparison. Switching models usually means rematch (and often re-fill).

## Details

* **Catalog search / rank** — Shortlist candidates—not formal compliance
* **Lock product** — Commit one model for formal match
* **Formal match** — Parameter comparison → deviations
* **Branch / switch** — Evaluate another model → rematch

## Anti-patterns

* Treating rank order as “we comply”
* Filling Excel before lock when formal evidence is required
* Mixing two models’ specs into one response without rematch

## Related

* [Match workflow](/guides/workflows/match-and-review-gaps) · [Product lock / branches](/concepts/product-lock-branches) · [Rank vs formal](/faq/rank-vs-formal-match)