The Synthesis Pipeline

Synthesis is where research becomes intelligence. You have extracted data from five sources using a consistent template. Now you need to convert those five parallel data streams into a single coherent analysis that answers the original question. The synthesis pipeline has three stages: consolidation, pattern identification, and narrative construction.

Consolidation merges the extracted data into a single comparison structure. If you extracted competitive data from five vendors, consolidation produces a comparison table with all five side by side. Pattern identification looks across the consolidated data for trends, gaps, and anomalies. Three of five vendors use usage-based pricing — that is a trend. One vendor has no public case studies — that is a gap. One vendor's pricing is 10x the others — that is an anomaly worth investigating.

1. 1. Consolidate Merge all extraction templates into a single comparison structure. Use a table format where rows are sources and columns are extraction fields. Missing data should be explicitly marked as "not found" — do not leave cells blank.
2. 2. Identify Patterns Ask Claude: "Looking at this consolidated data, what are the three strongest patterns, two notable gaps, and one anomaly?" Patterns are trends. Gaps are missing data that suggests immaturity or secrecy. Anomalies are outliers that need explanation.
3. 3. Construct the Narrative Write the synthesis as a structured answer to the original research question. Lead with the finding, support with the pattern, cite the sources. Every claim traces back to extracted data.