---
id: ADR-CRM-DQ-009
title: Preserve absorbed identities for old references
product_area: crm
module: data-quality
revision: 1
status: proposed
design_intent: confirmed
source_sha:
  services-crm: a8d1364f1dd44b723bb5f9acba12f983e9ec8d69
decision: >-
  Every absorbed identity retains a unique alias to its survivor and merge;
  record operations report that it was merged, later merges repoint aliases, and
  database guards prevent identity reuse.
constrains:
  - DOM-CRM-DQ-004
  - STATE-CRM-DQ-006
  - SVC-CRM-DQ-merges
  - SVC-CRM-DQ-duplicates
  - SCR-CRM-DQ-010
origin: >-
  services-crm:docs/merging/decisions.md#D3 (Andrew, 2026-10-11);
  docs/milestones/CRM-M4-duplicates-and-merge.md#D-20
alternatives:
  - option: Return the survivor without explaining the move
    why_not: >-
      Clients could associate the survivor’s values with the wrong stored
      identity.
  - option: Return ordinary not-found
    why_not: Clients could mistake a merge for deletion and recreate the same person.
consequences:
  - Alias resolution follows a single destination.
  - >-
    Ordinary survivor deletion can leave a dangling destination and remains a
    defect.
  - Reset and purge remove aliases so later reloads can reuse identities.
supersedes: []
evidence:
  - >-
    services-crm at a8d1364f: modules/merges/db/merged-record-aliases.table.ts;
    aws/api/merged-record-routes.ts;
    services/aliases/merged-record-resolution.ts.
---

# Preserve absorbed identities for old references

## Context

Bookmarks and integrations still hold record identities after their records are removed.

## Decision

Every absorbed identity retains a unique alias to its survivor and merge; record operations report that it was merged, later merges repoint aliases, and database guards prevent identity reuse.

## Alternatives Considered

Return the survivor without explaining the move. Clients could associate the survivor’s values with the wrong stored identity.

Return ordinary not-found. Clients could mistake a merge for deletion and recreate the same person.

## Consequences

Alias resolution follows a single destination. Ordinary survivor deletion can leave a dangling destination and remains a defect. Reset and purge remove aliases so later reloads can reuse identities.