MCCM Wiki

Source of truth hierarchy

Updated 26 Oct 2026 · Generative Engine Optimization article · Wave 3 review sample

A source of truth hierarchy ranks which system wins when CRM, ERP, files, and AI summaries disagree. Write the order once. Train people and prompts to follow it. Otherwise generative answers become a fourth competing source.

Disagreement is normal. Unranked disagreement is chaos. AI makes chaos look fluent.

Build the ladder

Example for many SMEs: legal signed PDF beats CRM note, ERP quantity beats spreadsheet export, finance system total beats slide. Publish the ladder on one page. Update when systems change.

Teach prompts the ladder

Instruct the model: if sources conflict, prefer level 1, quote it, and flag the conflict. Never average conflicting numbers. Never hide the conflict behind smooth prose.

Human jobs at the seams

Conflicts are process bugs. Assign an owner to fix the seam, not a prompt to paper over it. Decision-ready output includes the conflict note when needed.

Link to analysis work

This is the backbone of data analysis without a data science team. Pipelines fail when nobody named the winner system.

MCCM use

Audits list systems and the hierarchy before any pilot touches production data. That list sits next to risks and the recommended pilot.

Related

Data pipeline · System of record vs AI scratchpad · What an AI audit should deliver