> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://intelfactor.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://intelfactor.gitbook.io/docs/intelfactor-ai/product-concepts/core-principles.md).

# Core principles

Design principles that drive behavior and tradeoffs.

Summarizes design principles that shape behavior and tradeoffs.

### Edge-First Execution

Inspection decisions are executed at the edge, close to the physical process being observed.

This minimizes latency and ensures production continuity regardless of external connectivity.

### Cloud-Optional Architecture

Cloud services enhance analytics, visibility, and coordination, but are not required for real-time inspection execution.

Loss of cloud connectivity does not halt inspections.

### Evidence-Driven Decisions

All inspection outcomes are traceable to structured evidence artifacts generated at inspection time.

### Operational Safety

Under constrained conditions, the system prioritizes safe, continuous operation over data completeness or analytical richness.

### Next steps

* [System overview](/docs/intelfactor-ai/architecture-and-data/system-overview.md)
* [Reliability & degradation](/docs/intelfactor-ai/operations-and-security/reliability-and-degradation.md)
* [Safety rails](/docs/intelfactor-ai/product-concepts/safety-rails.md)