A log file is a system-generated record of technical events, messages, errors, transactions, or status changes captured over time. In manufacturing and industrial systems, log files are commonly produced by applications, servers, machines, controllers, interfaces, MES platforms, ERP integrations, and network services.
Log files are mainly used for troubleshooting, performance monitoring, security review, and understanding how a system or process behaved. A log entry often includes a timestamp, event type, source system, message text, error code, user or device identifier, and related transaction details.
A log file should not be assumed to be the same as an audit trail. An audit trail is a controlled record of quality-relevant or regulated activity, typically focused on who did what, when, and sometimes why. Log files may support an audit trail, but they need appropriate configuration, access controls, retention, integrity controls, and context before they can serve that purpose in a quality or compliance workflow.