Keeping configuration in one place
Most of the problems were not technical at all. It is easy to underestimate how much time preparation saves later. A simple checklist turned out to be more useful than any tool. Budget and time usually decide more than personal preference.
This came up several times this year, so it seemed worth writing down. If you are planning something similar, start small and keep notes.
Budget and time usually decide more than personal preference. Nothing here is new, but it is easy to forget when you are in a hurry. The result is not perfect, but it has worked well for over a year. It is easy to underestimate how much time preparation saves later.
The short answer is that it depends, but the reasons are worth going through. If you are planning something similar, start small and keep notes. Asking the right questions at the beginning avoids most surprises.
Most of the problems were not technical at all. Every project is different, yet the same few mistakes repeat.