---
id: ADR-CRM-DQ-010
title: Retain merge originals with workspace history
product_area: crm
module: data-quality
revision: 1
status: proposed
design_intent: confirmed
source_sha:
  services-crm: a8d1364f1dd44b723bb5f9acba12f983e9ec8d69
decision: >-
  Merge history retains the original and resulting values for the workspace
  lifetime, with application deletion denied and removal delegated to workspace
  purge.
constrains:
  - DOM-CRM-DQ-004
  - SVC-CRM-DQ-merges
  - WF-CRM-DQ-009
  - SCR-CRM-DQ-006
origin: 'services-crm:docs/merging/decisions.md#D4 (Andrew, 2026-10-11, option 1)'
alternatives:
  - option: Discard originals after ninety days
    why_not: >-
      Late discovery of an incorrect merge would leave no complete repair
      evidence.
  - option: Retain only decisions and identities
    why_not: >-
      Staff could explain the action but could not reconstruct the removed
      values.
consequences:
  - Workspace exports include the originals held by merge history.
  - >-
    The recorded right to remove an individual’s originals has no implemented
    operation.
supersedes: []
evidence:
  - >-
    services-crm at a8d1364f: modules/merges/db/record-merges.table.ts;
    tests/integration/db/record-merges.table.integration.spec.js.
---

# Retain merge originals with workspace history

## Context

Repairing an incorrect merge requires information from records that no longer exist.

## Decision

Merge history retains the original and resulting values for the workspace lifetime, with application deletion denied and removal delegated to workspace purge.

## Alternatives Considered

Discard originals after ninety days. Late discovery of an incorrect merge would leave no complete repair evidence.

Retain only decisions and identities. Staff could explain the action but could not reconstruct the removed values.

## Consequences

Workspace exports include the originals held by merge history. The recorded right to remove an individual’s originals has no implemented operation.