Could parsing errors change the meaning of a field?¶

Yes. A parser can place a plausible value in the wrong field, truncate it, omit it or attach an incorrect description, materially changing timing, direction or attribution.

Plausible errors are the most dangerous¶

Format changes, delimiters, unexpected characters and regional settings can swap source and destination, shorten usernames or misread dates and status codes. Most rows may parse correctly while one event type fails.

Test against the raw record¶

Compare critical fields with original events and sample several examples. Check connector errors, parser version, product update dates and mapping rules. Independently verify any field central to actor, sequence or outcome.

Do not silently repair a value; preserve the original display and record the correction, basis and effect. Seek vendor or specialist help for proprietary formats.