Are shared decision logs more reliable than scattered builder messages?

We are trying to tighten up communication during a custom build, especially for decisions that affect cost, schedule, or inspections. Right now, information is spread across emails, text messages, meeting notes, and verbal conversations. That makes it difficult to tell which items are actually approved, who owns the next step, and whether an unanswered question has quietly become a schedule problem.

I am considering a shared decision and issue log rather than relying on the inbox as the project record. For each item, I would record:

- Date opened and a short description
- Related room, drawing, allowance, or change request
- Decision or information needed
- Person responsible for responding or completing the task
- Due date
- Current status, such as open, awaiting homeowner approval, approved, scheduled, or closed
- Cost and schedule impact, if known
- Link or reference to the supporting email, meeting note, or revised drawing
- Date the item was last followed up

For example, if a window delivery is delayed, the log would show the affected openings, who is confirming the revised delivery date, when that confirmation is due, and whether framing or weatherproofing work is affected.