Glossary
Candidate substitute
A product proposed as a possible alternative to another after a scoped attribute comparison, kept separate from identity and from approved interchangeability.
Definition
A candidate substitute is a product that has been compared with a reference product on a stated set of attributes and proposed as a possible alternative. It is usually a different design or comes from a different manufacturer. It remains a separate product with its own identity.
What it is not
- Not an exact identity. The two records do not describe the same product.
- Not a variant. Variants share a base design from the same manufacturer.
- Not an approval. Matching published attributes does not establish that one product can replace another in a specific application. Load ratings, speed limits, materials, tolerances, lubrication and operating conditions may matter, and some may not be published consistently.
What a candidate substitute record should contain
Illustrative, synthetic values:
| Attribute | Reference: DEMO-101-SEAL | Candidate: SYN-77-S | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bore | 11 mm | 11 mm | Same |
| Outside diameter | 37 mm | 37 mm | Same |
| Ring width | 9 mm | 9 mm | Same |
| Closure | Sealed | Shielded | Different |
| Internal clearance | Not stated | Not stated | Not comparable |
Plus: the source and date of each value, who or what proposed the candidate, and its review status (proposed, reviewed or rejected).
In practice
Show the comparison scope and the differences next to any substitute suggestion. Hide nothing that could not be compared. Keep rejected candidates so they are not proposed again.
Apply it
Read the comparison of exact match, variant and candidate substitute, learn about matching and deduplication, or discuss your catalog.
Methodology article using synthetic examples only; it states no manufacturer specifications. Independent technical review: not yet assigned. Found an error? Tell us.
