Data Storage: is TDMS overkill for event logging?

[IMSargon]

I want to log a mass, a box number, the logged in user, and a time stamp periodically. I would also occasionally log a string describing an event.

The way I see it, there would be a group for each box number and a channel for each entry for the box. Mass, box number, logged in user, time stamp, and event description could all be properties for each channel.

Is this the right tool for the job? I'd be using streaming data format without streaming any data. Writing a CSV file could get the job done. What benefits might I derive from using a TDMS. Are there any pitfalls? Is there another format I should consider?

[Ben]

From what I understand of TDMS, it would not be a good tool for this job. The CSV approach will be good to start out and if required you can import the CSV into a DB if your req's change so you have to do searching and reporting.

[IMSargon]

There is a very simple reporting aspect to the application. I need to be able to pull all the data from one box number and display it on a table, as well as format it into a report. This would not be difficult to do from a CSV, though. I can't imagine needing to search for any data.

[Ben · Accepted solution]

Then run and don't look back.

KISS = Keep It Simple Sir

Ben