verifications

Verifications are procedures used to confirm that something is accurate, authentic, or compliant with stated standards. The goal is to provide evidence that a claim, data item, product, process, or identity is true or correct before it is used or relied upon.

In manufacturing and software development, verification asks whether the product is built correctly according to its design specifications. Activities include design reviews, inspections, unit and integration testing, simulations, and formal proofs of correctness. Verification is distinct from validation, which assesses whether the product fulfills the intended use; verification asks if we built the thing right.

In information security and identity management, verification refers to proving who or what a subject claims to be. This can involve credentials, biometric checks, multi-factor authentication, and third-party attestations. Data verification entails checking records for accuracy, completeness, and consistency through methods such as reconciliations, cross-checks, checksums, and data cleansing.

In finance and governance, verifications support compliance, risk management, and fraud prevention. Examples include bank confirmations, vendor verifications, background checks, and audit trails. Verifications often rely on documentation, independent attestations, and traceability to sources.

Many standards and quality management systems incorporate verification as a core step in assurance processes. In science, verification relates to confirming observed phenomena through replication or independent testing, complementing validation and peer review. Overall, verification provides evidence that a claim or outcome is credible and reliable within an established framework.