What is an evidence chain?

An evidence chain is the structured provenance path that connects a statement or analytical value back to its source-level basis.

In SDX, evidence is not treated as a loose collection of documents, screenshots, or assumptions. Each relevant value must be traceable through explicit references: source inputs, methods, intermediate artifacts, derivation rules, and sealed outputs. This allows later report data to carry evidence rather than merely describe it.

The evidence chain supports claim boundaries and statement governance. It determines what can be stated, how strongly it can be supported, and where the limits of support are located.

An evidence chain is not a narrative explanation. It is a controlled structure for accountability. Its role is to prevent unsupported interpretation from entering the decision layer and to ensure that every meaningful assertion remains connected to verifiable material.