Gate: If any step fails, return to decision tree. Do not proceed with new deployments until all checks pass.
5-Why Examples (Root Cause Discipline)
Example A: Root 404 on Production
Why is the root returning 404? Because index.html isn't being served.
Why isn't it being served? Because Vercel routing rules aren't configured correctly.
Why aren't the rules configured? Because vercel.json was edited without testing.
Why was it edited without testing? Because there's no staging environment validation step.
Why is there no staging validation? Because deployment workflow doesn't include pre-production checks.
Corrective Action: Add staging environment with mandatory validation before production deploy. Update Makefile to include make test-staging step.
Example B: Audit Hash Mismatch
Why do hashes not match? Because local file differs from remote.
Why does local differ? Because changes were made but not committed.
Why weren't they committed? Because developer made quick fix without following commit protocol.
Why did they bypass protocol? Because there's no automated pre-commit integrity check.
Why is there no pre-commit check? Because git hooks weren't configured in repository.
Corrective Action: Install git pre-commit hook that runs make audit before allowing commits. Prevents uncommitted changes from reaching deployment pipeline.
RME Analogy: Vercel Routing = Conveyor Jam Logic
Routing rules are the conveyor pathing map
404 at root is a jam at the first divert—items never reach the correct lane
Mislinked project is the wrong line assignment—work is flowing, but to the wrong destination
RME Analogy: 404/401 = QC Rejection / Access Control Failure
404 Not Found is a QC reject: the item fails inspection because the expected part isn't on the line
401 Unauthorized is access control: the part exists, but the gate won't open without credentials
Fix is either supplying the correct part (route/file) or providing authorization (disable protection or bypass)