The web-log analytics offers a different approach to tracking website visitors compared to the typical method of using a JavaScript code. Instead of relying on code embedded in your website, it pulls data from log files stored on the web server.

Here’s the breakdown of the process:

1. A visitor lands on your website and the browser sends a request to the web server for site loading.
2. The web server logs this information in its files.
3. These logs are transferred to the Piwik PRO server.

Since web-log analytics is different from the conventional tracking code, the data collected may vary. However, it stands out as a secure choice, especially for businesses handling sensitive data like banks, healthcare or government entities.

Let’s look at the pros:

• No need to install a tracking code on your website. Data-sensitive businesses like banks, healthcare or government entities choose this method to enhance data privacy.
• Tracking blockers don’t affect data collection via web logs.
• You can import historical data anytime; file logs remain on a web server until they are deleted.

On the flip side, here are some cons:

• You need to be technically savvy and have access to the web server to use this method.
• The tracking code can collect more data, such as a page title, screen resolution, custom dimensions, ecommerce data and the like.
• Web logs are for Analytics only; Tag Manager, Consent Manager and Customer Data Platform will not work with this method.

For more about web-log analytics in Piwik PRO, see our developer documentation.