Match the proof method to the claim.

Observable workflows may be tested directly; other claims may need documentation, technical review, independent assurance, references or written scope.

Evidence breadth

General assessment-method principle applied editorially

Where this applies

CMMS evaluation when different claim types need different forms of evidence.

Last evidence review

September 24, 2026

What happened

NIST SP 800-53A Rev. 5, §2.4.2 distinguishes examine, interview and test as methods of obtaining evidence for security and privacy control assessments. CMMS Buyers Guide adapts that distinction into its own claim-to-evidence map.

Why it matters

A sales demo alone cannot establish every different kind of claim about a proposed CMMS purchase. The appropriate follow-up depends on the claim and decision context.

What a buyer should do

Identify the material claim, then select a method that can actually address its uncertainty.

Choose the method that can address the specific uncertainty; keep other claims open until the right evidence is obtained.

Documented evidence

National Institute of Standards and Technology

Assessing Security and Privacy Controls in Information Systems and Organizations

NIST SP 800-53A Revision 5

Section 2.4.2 defines examine, interview, test; used for broader principles adapted to CMMS evaluation, not CMMS-specific advice

View source →View document →

What happened

Why it matters

What a buyer should do

What this evidence does and does not establish

Documented evidence