Core takeaway
A source of truth is not the folder with the most files. It is the place that tells the team what is current, why it is current, and who owns the next move.
Start with authority
Name the location that governs the project and define what belongs there. Separate active instructions from drafts, references, exports, and superseded material.
Record decisions, not just documents
When two sources conflict, do not silently blend them. Record the conflict, the chosen direction, the reason, the decision owner, and the date.
- Decision
- Evidence used
- Owner
- Effective date
- What was superseded
Make the next action visible
Every active workstream should show its outcome, current status, next action, owner, and blocker. That makes the system useful during execution—not only during an audit.