Collect documents

The skill and its purpose

A document is useful evidence only within the product, method, period and conditions it actually describes. A file’s presence does not establish authenticity, currency or applicability to the finished assembly. The review needs source identity and scope as well as the PDF itself. Keep declarations, independent reports and project observations distinguishable so one form of support is not misrepresented as another.

Work through the decision

List the evidence needed for each criterion. Record the issuer, document reference, revision, date, relevant product variant and application limits. Use authorised sources and respect document rights. Mark missing, expired, conflicting or out-of-scope records for follow-up. Link the exact evidence version to the decision. When a replacement document arrives, review its changed scope rather than extending an earlier conclusion automatically.

Practical exercise — fictional

A fictional supplier provides a report for an uncoated substrate while the proposed panel adds print, adhesive and laminate. Create an evidence entry that identifies the covered material and the unresolved finished-assembly question. Request appropriate current support for the selected variant. Explain why a complete folder can still contain an evidence gap.

Take it to the next job

• Link each criterion to needed evidence.
• Record issuer, revision, variant and scope.
• Respect rights and source authenticity.
• Review replacements and unresolved contradictions.