glossary term · cross business
Evaluation
Learn what evaluation means through a plain-language definition, a synthetic business example, practical limits, and links to workflow guides.
Definition
Evaluation is a deliberate comparison between a workflow’s observed behavior and expectations written before the test. It covers routes, actions, failures, and output quality, not just fluent wording. Some checks are exact, such as counting duplicate records; others need a person to assess source support and meaning. Results apply to the cases and configuration actually tested.
Owner example
Synthetic example: A reviewer expects an unsupported access request to escalate without a draft. They record the actual route, any generated claims, and whether an external action occurred. A correction and rerun receive separate records.
Non-example and limitation
One attractive demo output is not a complete evaluation. A model declaring its own response correct is not a substitute for comparing it with authoritative sources and actual destination effects.
Related terms
Hallucination is one possible failure. Human in the loop identifies the person’s review or approval role.
Deeper guide and practical link
Read support workflow testing for the fuller explanation. Use the pilot test worksheet to apply the distinction to a bounded task.
Sources and scope
This is an original editorial definition with a synthetic example, not a report of a tested implementation or business result. Suggest a correction.
Change notes
Foundation draft prepared October 20, 2026. No public publication or successful live-tool test is claimed.
Next learning step: Test a support workflow with normal and difficult requests