ADR 0005: Ops Automation With Skills, Not MCP

Status

Accepted

Context

The repository brief explicitly excludes MCP and instead requires repo-local skill workflows paired with a deterministic executor.

Decision

Use repo-local skill directories plus Symphony/Codex orchestration, with ranctl as the execution boundary.

The skill directories hold:

procedural guidance
prompt and workflow context
optional thin wrapper scripts
references to docs and examples

Consequences

Positive:

versioned operational procedures live in the repo
no hidden external procedure layer
easier review and change tracking

Negative:

skill quality depends on disciplined maintenance
approval and context handoff formats still need standardization

Alternatives Considered

MCP-based procedure integration: rejected by brief.
Unstructured wiki and scripts: too hard to keep deterministic and reviewable.