A decision log creates a traceable record of product, artwork, packaging, sample, and commercial decisions across the OEM project lifecycle. Without a decision log, project teams rely on memory, informal messages, and assumptions — which leads to inconsistent execution, avoidable rework, and disputes about what was agreed.
A decision log records the decision, the date, the decision owner, the evidence or inputs reviewed, the outcome, and the next action. It does not need to be a complex system — a structured table or shared document is sufficient for most OEM projects.
| Decision area | What to record | Evidence or inputs | Next action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product route | Construction choice (3-piece, 4-piece), SKU, and target customer | Product page review, sample evaluation, buyer brief | Confirm with supplier and record in project brief |
| Artwork approval | Approved revision, file name, approver, and scope | Artwork files, print proof, and supplier confirmation | Release approved files to production |
| Packaging approval | Approved dieline revision, packaging type, and approver | Dieline files, packaging proof, and supplier confirmation | Release approved packaging to production |
| Sample approval | Sample ID, revision, evaluation conditions, and decision | Sample evaluation record and reviewer notes | Proceed to bulk order or request revision |
| Commercial terms | MOQ, unit cost scope, lead time, and payment terms | Quotation, project review, and written confirmation | Issue purchase order after all approvals are complete |
| Change record | Change description, reason, impact, and approver | Change request, impact review, and written confirmation | Update affected project records and notify stakeholders |
The product route decision defines the construction, SKU, and target customer. Use the 3-piece urethane product page and the project brief guide to define the scope before the decision is recorded.
Record the decision with the evidence reviewed, the decision owner, and the date. A product route decision that is not recorded creates ambiguity when the project moves to artwork, packaging, and production.
Record each artwork and packaging approval with the specific revision, file name, approver, and scope. Use the artwork file guide and the packaging dieline handoff checklist to confirm the files are complete before recording the approval.
Record the sample approval with the sample ID, revision, evaluation conditions, and decision. Use the sample feedback form to structure the evaluation record. Commercial decisions — MOQ, unit cost scope, lead time, and payment terms — should be recorded after the relevant project approvals are complete.
Record every material change to the project with the change description, reason, impact, and approver. A change that is not recorded creates an inconsistency between the decision log and the actual project state. Use the first-order checklist to confirm that all required decisions are recorded before the purchase order is issued.
The project owner or procurement lead typically owns the decision log. The log should be accessible to all stakeholders involved in the project.
Each entry should be detailed enough to reconstruct the decision without relying on memory. Include the evidence reviewed, the decision owner, and the next action.
Share the relevant decisions with the supplier as they are made. A supplier who is not informed of approved decisions may proceed on the basis of an earlier version.
Record the reversal as a change entry with the reason, impact, and new decision. Do not delete or overwrite the original entry.
Define the project scope, decision owners, and required approval records. Then contact MetaSeal Golf to review the project structure and confirm which decisions need to be recorded before production begins.