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Operational exception log template: track what broke, what it costs and who owns the fix.

A simple exception register for operations and finance teams. Capture severity, measurable exposure, root cause, corrective action, owner, due date and the control needed to prevent recurrence.

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Recommended exception-log columns

Column	Purpose
Exception ID	Stable reference for actions and controls.
Date detected	Starts aging immediately.
Severity	Critical / High / Medium / Low.
Process	Workflow where the exception occurred.
Description	Observable event, not a diagnosis.
Dollar exposure	Loss, overpayment, underbilling, revenue at risk, rework or labor waste.
Root cause	Why the process allowed it to happen.
Owner	One accountable person.
Corrective action	What resolves the current exception.
Due date	When the corrective action must close.
Status	Open / In progress / Closed / Accepted risk.
Control follow-up	What changes to reduce recurrence.

Weekly review order

Critical and high-severity open exceptions.
Largest open dollar exposure.
Overdue corrective actions.
Repeat root causes.
Exceptions with weak or missing controls.

Key distinction: corrective action fixes this event. A control changes the system so the same class of failure becomes less likely or less costly.

Need the log connected to KPIs, controls and automation ROI?

Operator Control System turns the exception register into a complete management-control workbook with executive rollups and weekly review.

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