oe-architectural-guardrails

When to use

• Before modifying workflow_email.py, pre_route.py, router.py, or any stepX_handler.py.
• Before implementing new detection logic or regex.
• When debugging "lost messages", "wrong step" bugs, or "ignored inputs".
• When adding new steps or gates to the workflow.

Core Reference

READ THIS FILE FIRST: docs/architecture/MASTER_ARCHITECTURE_SHEET.md

Quick Checklist (The "Don't Break It" List)

1. Pipeline Order: Remember that Step 1 runs before Pre-Route. Changes in Step 1 affect what Pre-Route sees. Capture runs before OOC.
2. Interference: If adding a keyword check, did you check unified_detection first? Don't let a regex override an LLM signal.
3. Idempotency: Is your "confirm" logic safe if the user says "Yes" to an already verified gate? (It should be a NO-OP, not a detour).
4. Anchoring: If extracting a date, are you sure it's the Event Date and not a payment/quote date? Use detect_change_type_enhanced.
5. Hybrid Handling: If the user sends "Confirm + Question", does your handler answer the question? Don't drop the QnA part.
6. Hard Facts: Did you verify that LLM verbalization includes all units and prices exactly as in the data?

Critical Files

• docs/architecture/MASTER_ARCHITECTURE_SHEET.md (The Law)
• backend/workflows/runtime/pre_route.py (The Gatekeeper)
• backend/workflows/steps/step1_intake/trigger/step1_handler.py (The Intake & Change Detector)
• backend/ux/universal_verbalizer.py (The Voice)

Common "False Friends" (Traps)

• body vs body_markdown: Use body for client email, body_markdown for internal HIL display.
• confirm_date intent: Often triggers OOC if used in Step 4+. Use Gate-Aware Arbitration.
• event_date vs payment_date: Raw regex will confuse them. Use Normalization and Anchoring.