architecture-decisions

To document architectural decisions, follow a five-phase ADR workflow: identify the decision, document context, compare options, finalize the rationale, and add the record to an auditable decision log. This enforces clear, citable governance with cross-references and supersession tracking.

Yes, a structured ADR process applies to both system-wide architecture decisions and component-level choices. It enforces governance by applying mandatory phased gates to capture trade-offs and rationale regardless of the architectural scope.

The ADR process enforces governance by requiring mandatory phased gates across identification, context, options, decision, and governance phases. It prevents inconsistent design by capturing trade-offs in an auditable decision log with cross-references and supersession tracking.

Your team loses context on past architecture decisions because rationale is not captured and governed in an auditable log. Implementing a structured ADR process with cross-references preserves traceability and prevents knowledge loss across the software lifecycle.