An audit trail can record a change without identifying the individual who made it. Shared accounts limit what the evidence can establish.

Audit design example; account changes require the system owner’s authorization.

What is happening?

Useful attribution connects an action to an authenticated identity, timestamp, target, and result. Application context can add workstation or session information, but it should not be mistaken for proof of a particular person when credentials are shared.

Check these five things

1. Identify which actions the audit configuration records.

2. Check identity and session fields in sample records.

3. Review how shared accounts are used.

4. Confirm time synchronization and retention expectations.

5. Document attribution gaps for the system owner.

Worked example

A teaching audit record shows that account Operator changed a setpoint from 20 to 25 at 14:05. If several people use that account, the record supports an account-level action, not a reliable individual attribution. Preserve that limitation in the investigation.

Quick diagnostic reference

The mistake to avoid

Do not invent a person from a workstation name or shift roster. Correlation can support an inquiry but does not remove the evidence gap.

How to verify the fix

Validate expected audit events with approved test accounts and actions. Confirm records can be retrieved with the required context.

Field-work boundary: These are educational diagnostic guides. Use the exact equipment manuals and approved site procedures. Electrical testing and machinery changes belong to qualified, authorized personnel; control hazardous energy and validate affected functions before release.

Technical reference

Inductive Automation: Audit profiles. The examples and diagnostic tables above are original teaching material; they do not replace the product manual.

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