Methodology
The record is the beginning of the question.
SiftSpot organizes public activity for informed human review. This framework keeps recorded facts, analyst interpretation, and next research steps distinct.
01 / Method
Start with the source
Use the authoritative public record to establish what was actually filed, licensed, registered, inspected, or updated. Retain an official reference, the reported fields, and the date observed.
02 / Method
Read dates precisely
A filing date, effective date, publication date, and discovery date may differ. Source updates can arrive late. Never call a record a new operating business solely because it was newly discovered.
03 / Method
Resolve identity
Compare legal name, DBA, license number, address, licensee, and location. Keep competing matches separate until identifiers support a defensible connection.
04 / Method
Deduplicate without erasing history
Link repeat observations to a business and location while preserving earlier status, field changes, and their sources. A different legal entity at the same address may represent a different event.
05 / Method
Separate fact from hypothesis
A record can suggest a question for research. It cannot by itself prove insurance need, buying intent, renewal timing, financial condition, operating quality, or willingness to speak with a producer.
06 / Method
Correct and revisit
Official sources change. Recheck material records before action, document corrections, and treat uncertainty as a reason to hold a record for review.