Architecture

Execution Happens Here

RiCo defines the boundary where decisions become actions — and where invalid execution is stopped before it occurs.

RiCo Execution Model V1.0 diagram

Execution Flow

RiCo operates at the moment an action transitions from decision to effect.

  1. Action proposed by agent or system
  2. Pre-validation (optional)
  3. Execution boundary engaged
  4. Authority resolution evaluated
  5. State consistency verified
  6. Admissibility determined
  7. Outcome → ALLOW / ESCALATE / STOP

Execution Example

Action: transfer_funds($80)
Authority: valid at decision-time
State: balance changed before execution

RiCo Decision: STOP
Reason: support basis no longer holds

Outcome: action blocked at execution

RiCo does not rely on prior validation. It re-establishes whether the action is still admissible at execution.

Where RiCo Operates

RiCo sits between the decision layer and execution layer.

Decision Layer → (Agents, orchestration, planning)

Execution Boundary (RiCo)

Execution Layer → (APIs, databases, external systems)

It does not replace orchestration. It enforces whether execution remains valid at the moment of action.

Execution Boundary

The execution boundary is where RiCo validates authority continuity, current state consistency, and delegation integrity. It is also where authority resolution must become explicit under pressure.

Authority Continuity vs Resolution

Continuity ensures the path has not degraded. Resolution determines which admissible authority becomes binding under current conditions. They are related, but not the same function.

Fast Path

Reversible actions proceed inside a safe envelope through pre-validated execution and continuous monitoring.

Protected Path

Irreversible actions require elevated confirmation, a pending commit window, and explicit execution-bound validation before action.

Resolution Outcomes

Allow, redirect, block, or refuse. Refuse is a first-class execution outcome, not an exception state.

RiCo is designed around one principle:

If authority cannot validly converge, execution should not proceed.