Electronic logbook

An electronic logbook is a computer-based software program 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. This version of a logbook was derived from the old-fashioned paper-based logbooks which have been used in the maritime sector. 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:

• Deck logbook – Records navigational events related to the voyage and operations on board
• Dynamic positioning logbook – Manual recording of operations related to Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations
• Engine logbook – Records engine events related to the engine and machinery operation
• Oil record book – Records events related to oil and dirty water as required by IMO's MARPOL convention
• Operational log – Records events related to vessel operation, i.e. performance, cargo handling and maritime operations. The Operational Log will typically need some customisation to owner's requirement and trade.
• Radio logbook – Records events relevant to radio traffic as required by IMO and the flag states

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:

• Search functions
• Defined plant hierarchy for registration of logbook entries
• Classification according to certain entry types
• Statistics about most problematic areas
• Management reports

Additionally, access to the information storage can be controlled through user authentication and authorizations mechanisms.

Other electronic notebooks

Electronic lab notebooks are used in research and scientific settings.