Agree the boundary before using live data.

Observe is intended to start with read-only copies of authorized business events. Each pilot should define data access and operational responsibilities before a connection is enabled.

What the sidecar touches

Scope the approved sources: selected EDI messages, API events, mailboxes, documents or ERP extracts. Verify connector permissions and the integration path. Observe does not authorize order changes, commitments or payment release.

Where the data goes

Confirm hosting provider, processing region, storage location and any third-party processing before the pilot starts. Document encryption, key management and any AI processing or model-training restrictions. These implementation details require confirmation.

Who can see and use it

Define identities, roles, partner boundaries and least-privilege access. Agree which evidence may be shared across parties; participation alone does not imply access to another company’s records.

What happens afterward

Agree retention, deletion, audit evidence, incident response and exit procedures. Validate that disconnecting observation does not interrupt the existing commerce path.

What changes when agents act

Introduce explicit delegated authority, action limits, approval rules, traceable decisions and escalation before enabling commercial writes. Test these controls against the selected workflow.