Value Chain & Maturity Model
The TrackForge certification model operates on two independent dimensions: Completeness (how much metadata is present and verified) and Assurance (how confident we are in that metadata). Where a track sits on these axes determines what can be done with it.
Hover over any cell below to see the specific capabilities, field requirements, and tier classification at each completeness/assurance intersection:
Value Chain — Technical Model → Business Outcome
Each cell represents a track's position on two independent axes: Completeness (what data exists) × Assurance (how trustworthy it is). Where it sits determines what you can do with it commercially.
Assurance = Collection Ready (A1)
Assurance ≥ Certified (A2)
Assurance = Litigation-Grade (A3)
Where track tiers measure individual recordings, portfolio grades measure entire catalogues. The grade is determined by the revenue-weighted percentage of Gold-tier tracks (Completeness ≥ GOLDEN).
Understanding the Axes
Completeness (X-Axis: Utility)
How much metadata is present and useful for commercial operations:
| Level | Name | Required Fields | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Minimal | ISRC (may be present) | Bare data — no meaningful metadata beyond an identifier |
| 1 | Operational | ISRC + Title + Artist | Bare minimum for collection operations |
| 2 | Validated | + Duration + Writer Name + 2 sources | Cross-referenced against multiple sources; writer identified |
| 3 | Golden | + ISWC + Writer IPI + Role + Splits + PRO reg | Full rights chain with PRO registration — the "Golden Record" |
| 4 | Comprehensive | + Forensic analysis + Audio fingerprint + 4 sources | Multi-source forensic corroboration with audio verification |
| 5 | Forensic-Grade | + Human review + 5 sources + 3 PRO regs | Human-reviewed, maximum evidence — the strongest completeness level |
Assurance (Y-Axis: Trust)
How confident we are in the accuracy and defensibility of the metadata:
| Level | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Collection Ready | Self-certified by TrackForge — sufficient for collection operations |
| 2 | Certified | Multi-source corroboration + third-party audit trail |
| 3 | Litigation-Grade | Human attestation + blockchain anchor — institutional-grade defensibility |
Certification Gates
The intersection of these axes creates three certification gates that unlock specific capabilities:
Golden Operational
Requirement: Completeness ≥ GOLDEN (L3) + Assurance = Collection Ready (A1)
Metadata is complete with a full rights chain and sufficient for collection operations across territories where rights are clear. Used for base collection and delta analysis.
Golden Certified
Requirement: Completeness ≥ GOLDEN (L3) + Assurance ≥ Certified (A2)
Full certification package with blockchain-anchored audit trail. Evidence of verification documented at each step. Suitable for licensing disputes and compliance audits.
Golden Litigation
Requirement: Completeness ≥ GOLDEN (L3) + Assurance = Litigation-Grade (A3)
Institutional-grade defensibility with chain-of-title artifacts and human attestation. Evidence package prepared for legal proceedings or M&A due diligence.
Track Tiers & Portfolio Grades
Track Tiers (Public-Facing)
The six completeness levels are grouped into four public-facing certification tiers for commercial communication:
| Tier | Completeness Levels | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | GOLDEN (L3), COMPREHENSIVE (L4), FORENSIC_GRADE (L5) | Full rights chain — all core identifiers, writer IPIs, splits, PRO registration |
| Silver | VALIDATED (L2) | Cross-referenced with writer identified — structurally sound but gaps remain |
| Bronze | OPERATIONAL (L1) | Core identifiers confirmed — title, artist, ISRC present |
| Declared | MINIMAL (L0) | User-submitted — cryptographically timestamped but not independently verified |
See Certification Tiers for the full tier definitions and requirements.
Portfolio Grades (Catalog-Level)
Individual track tiers roll up into a catalog-level grade using revenue-weighted scoring. The grade reflects the percentage of catalog revenue secured by Gold-tier tracks (Completeness ≥ GOLDEN):
| Grade | Golden+ Revenue % | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | ≥ 95% | Institutional investment grade |
| AA | ≥ 85% | Premium catalogue |
| A | ≥ 75% | High quality |
| BBB | ≥ 60% | Investment grade |
| BB | ≥ 45% | Moderate quality |
| B | ≥ 30% | Speculative |
| CCC | ≥ 15% | Substantial risk |
| CC | ≥ 5% | High risk |
| C | ≥ 1% | Near default |
| D | < 1% | No verified revenue base |
Revenue weighting ensures that a few high-earning tracks at Gold status contribute more to the grade than many low-earning tracks. When revenue data is unavailable, the grade falls back to equal track-count weighting.
Progression Paths
Most catalogs follow natural progression paths through this matrix:
- Quick Revenue (L3 + A1): Reach GOLDEN completeness at Collection Ready assurance — collect royalties immediately in established territories
- Compliance Path (L3 + A2): Build Certified evidence trail — blockchain-anchored audit for licensing disputes and regulatory requirements
- Enterprise Grade (L5 + A3): Maximum defensibility at Forensic-Grade completeness with Litigation-Grade assurance — M&A due diligence, institutional investment
The model allows for portfolio strategies — different tracks can be at different positions, and you can choose which gate to pursue based on business needs and content characteristics.