Data center decisions depend on the quality of the information behind them. This framework explains how to distinguish a documented fact, an assumption, an estimate, and an unresolved question when reading Stacked AI’s analysis or preparing for an advisory engagement.
Begin with the decision
The relevant evidence depends on the question. A capacity search needs a workload requirement and delivery date. An owner review needs a clear view of the asset and the available options. An acquisition screen needs the proposed transaction, its assumptions, and the decision deadline.
Compare alternatives against the same requirement. A larger power allocation, lower quoted price, or earlier target date may serve a different scope.
Describe the evidence precisely
| Evidence status | What it means | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Documented | A relevant document has been identified and reviewed. | State its source, date, scope, conditions, and any unresolved dependencies. |
| Reported | A party has made a statement, but supporting material has not been reviewed. | Attribute the statement and request the underlying evidence. |
| Assumed | An input is used to compare options or build a scenario. | Make the assumption explicit and show what changes if it is wrong. |
| Estimated | A value is calculated or assessed from stated inputs. | Explain the method, range, and limits; distinguish it from an executed price or commitment. |
| Missing or unresolved | Necessary information is absent, inconsistent, or incomplete. | Identify the next question, the evidence needed, and the decision it could change. |
These are working descriptions, not a certification or a universal scoring system. “Documented” does not mean guaranteed: a document can contain qualifications, dependencies, expiry dates, or a scope that differs from the proposed use.
Follow the evidence to the decision
For capacity sourcing, relevant questions include the supported power quantity and timing, the installed cooling and density, connectivity, and the commercial terms behind an indicative rate. See the Site Screen.
For an owned facility, examine the documented power position, the assumptions behind different buyer uses, and issues that could affect a sale or a decision to hold. See the Asset Position Review.
For an acquisition, separate the lease signatory from any guarantor, examine the power and equipment assumptions, and identify unresolved items that could change price or timing. See the Power and Credit Screen.
Read published analysis in context
Useful analysis makes its basis inspectable:
- Sources: Link material external claims to the original report, filing, utility publication, or other underlying source where available. Identify information received from a transaction party as that party’s information.
- Dates: Distinguish an article’s publication date from the period covered by its data. A later page update does not make an older observation current.
- Definitions: Explain the geography, asset type, power measure, and time period behind a comparison. Different definitions can produce different numbers without either calculation being incorrect.
- Estimates: Show the important inputs and assumptions. Give a range when the evidence does not support a precise point estimate.
- Examples: Label hypothetical scenarios as illustrative. A worked example does not establish that a site is available or that an engagement occurred.
- Experience: Distinguish work completed by the firm from experience gained before it. Publish outcomes only with appropriate substantiation and permission.
Stacked AI publishes these guides to help readers frame a decision and identify the supporting evidence. Each site or transaction needs to be assessed against its own documents and circumstances.
Questions and corrections
If you identify a possible error or need the basis for a statement, email info@stackedai.net with the page address, the statement, and any supporting source. For an engagement inquiry, include the decision you need to make and its deadline.
Blank working resources
Use these company-published tools to organize evidence for a decision. Copy them into your own private working document.