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Log Message

The Log Message activity writes a message to the workflow execution log with a specified log level.

Purpose​

Use the Log Message activity to:

  • Debug workflow execution
  • Record important events or milestones
  • Track variable values during execution
  • Create audit trails for workflow decisions

Configuration​

Message Settings​

  • Message Text: The text to write to the log
  • Log Level: The severity/importance of the message

Log Levels​

  • Debug: Detailed diagnostic information
  • Info: General informational messages
  • Warning: Warning messages for potential issues
  • Error: Error messages for problems

Log Output​

Messages appear in the workflow execution log with:

  • Timestamp
  • Log level
  • Message content
  • Activity context

Usage Patterns​

Debugging Variable Values​

Script: Calculate Value
  └─ Log Message: [Info] "Calculated value: @Year"

Tracking Execution Path​

If: Check Condition
  ├─ [Yes] Log Message: [Debug] "Condition met, proceeding"
  └─ [No] Log Message: [Warning] "Condition not met, skipping"

Recording Milestones​

Data Load Complete
  └─ Log Message: [Info] "Data loaded successfully at @Timestamp"

Error Context​

Validation Failed
  └─ Log Message: [Error] "Validation failed for client @ClientID"

Example Configuration​

Simple Message​

Level: Warning
Message: "Processing incomplete data"

Message with Variables​

Level: Info
Message: "Processing year @Year for client @ClientID"

Debug Information​

Level: Debug
Message: "Current workflow state: @Status, Next step: @NextStep"

Usage Notes​

  • No Execution Impact: Logging doesn't affect workflow logic or flow
  • Parameter References: Use {ParameterName} to include workflow variables
  • Performance: Minimal impact on workflow execution
  • Log Retention: Check system settings for log retention policies
  • Visibility: Logs are viewable in the workflow execution history

Best Practices​

  • Meaningful Messages: Write clear, descriptive messages
  • Appropriate Levels: Use log levels consistently
    • Debug: Detailed tracing for development
    • Info: Normal operation milestones
    • Warning: Recoverable issues or anomalies
    • Error: Problems that need attention
  • Include Context: Add relevant parameter values to messages
  • Don't Over-Log: Too many log messages make debugging harder
  • Sensitive Data: Avoid logging passwords, tokens, or PII

When to Use Log Levels​

Debug​

  • Variable values during execution
  • Entry/exit of subprocesses
  • Detailed execution flow
  • Development and troubleshooting

Info​

  • Workflow started/completed
  • Major milestones reached
  • Successful operations
  • Normal state changes

Warning​

  • Using default values
  • Data quality issues (non-blocking)
  • Performance concerns
  • Deprecated features used

Error​

  • Validation failures
  • Missing required data
  • Operation failures
  • Data integrity issues

Example from Transcript​

Log Message Activity:
  Level: Warning
  Message: "Processing client @ClientID"

This was used to track which client was being processed in each iteration of a loop, helping debug the foreach logic.

Viewing Logs​

Logs can be accessed through:

  1. Workflow execution history
  2. Workflow instance details
  3. System log viewers
  4. Exported log files

Technical Notes​

  • Messages are written synchronously
  • Timestamp is automatically added
  • Activity name is included in log context
  • Supports workflow parameter substitution
  • Log level cannot be dynamic (set at design time)