An electronic logbook is a computer based software for recording (logging) states, events or simply conditions used for complex machines like aircraft, nuclear plants, particle accelerators, various areas on board ships replacing paper based logbooks, etc.
Contents
This version of a logbook was derived from the old-fashioned paper based logbooks which have been used in the maritime sector (see also logbook). Today a wide spectrum of different implementations of these electronic logbooks is available, even if most versions are based on the classical client-server approach. Here the electronic logbook serves a client which is in most cases a simple web browser.
Marine Electronic Logbooks
An electronic alternative to record key navigation, engine watch, port calls and other operational activities on board vessels of all sizes. Marine Electronic logbooks must meet the specific reporting requirements of IMO, SOLAS and flag states. Manually inserted information is normally combined with data recorded from the vessel's instruments such as time and position. Typical marine electronic logbooks are:
Electronic Shift Logbooks
On any industrial site, there is a continuous stream of operational, maintenance and safety events occurring at all levels and areas within the process. An electronic shift logbook is used at power plants and in process industry where several shift teams cooperate in maintaining production. Typically the electronic shift logbook is used to record state at the production plant, but it can also contain simple planning functions that notify personnel about upcoming maintenance activities. Compared to the paper logbook the electronic shift logbook enhance the value of the gathered information through:
Additionally, access to the information storage can be controlled through user authentication and authorizations mechanisms.
Other electronic notebooks
For laboratory notes, see Electronic lab notebook.