Source approval
A visible component does not prove the authorized supplier, alternate, revision, or incoming evidence.
GUIDE DMS-G / PHYSICAL REFERENCE
A Golden Unit Is Evidence
A physical reference can reveal relationships, workmanship, routing, fit, and expected behavior. It cannot, by itself, identify approved material, revision effectivity, hidden process, software state, or release authority.
Name the part, quantity, controlling material or process, and required date. Specification fit is reviewed before capacity or timing is stated.
REFERENCE-UNIT ANSWER
What is a golden unit good for?
Use it to compare the documented package against a known physical result and expose missing definitions. Do not let reverse interpretation silently replace customer-controlled requirements.
PHYSICAL REFERENCE
ILLUSTRATIVE CSS MOTIF / NOT A PRODUCT IMAGE
EXTRACT THE KNOWLEDGE
Turn observations into controlled decisions.
OBSERVEFit, routing, workmanship, fastening, bonding, labeling, software state, and behavior
COMPAREIdentify where the physical result agrees, conflicts, or has no documented basis
ASSIGNRoute the conflict or missing definition to the authorized owner
DOCUMENTUpdate the approved package, work, inspection, test, and effectivity
VERIFYConfirm the next controlled build reproduces the intended result
LIMITS
What the unit cannot tell you reliably
Hidden process
The completed assembly may not reveal preparation, cure, torque, calibration, or inspection conditions.
Software state
Observed behavior does not establish the controlling binary, configuration, loading method, or record.
Acceptance authority
Successful operation does not identify the contractual test, record, exception path, or release authority.
The transfer is complete when the package can explain the unit.
The goal is not to copy the physical reference indefinitely. The goal is to convert relevant intent into an approved, repeatable, inspectable, and releasable production basis.