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Mail Trace Guide

Overview

The ClrStream Outgoing service is used by SkyConnect and other integrated applications to deliver outbound email.

The service performs scanning and controlled relay of outgoing mail to recipient mail servers, ensuring secure and compliant delivery.

When troubleshooting delivery issues, administrators can use the Mail Trace dashboard to trace email flow from the sending domain through ClrStream Outgoing to the destination server.

Retention: Mail trace data is available for the last 15 days.


Using the Mail Trace Dashboard

Accessing the Search Interface

By default, the dashboard displays no results.

To initiate a trace:

  1. Click Open Search at the top of the dashboard.

  2. Define the required search criteria.

  3. Run the query.


Defining Search Criteria

Mandatory Fields

The following parameters are required:

1. Domain

Select the sender domain from the drop-down list.

2. Start Time and End Time

Specify the date and time range for the trace.

Important Notes:

  • The system restricts the date range to a maximum of 5 days per query.

  • Use the smallest possible time window for faster performance.

  • Data is available only for the last 15 days.


Optional Fields

These fields can be used to narrow down results:

FieldDescription
SubjectMatches the email subject header. Leading and trailing spaces are ignored. Internal spaces are matched normally.
FromSender email address (From header).
ToEnvelope recipient email address.
StatusMail processing status.
Queue IDUnique queue identifier. Recommended for advanced troubleshooting.

Query Performance & Data Caching

When a search query is executed:

  • The system loads all records for the selected domain and date range.

  • Initial loading may take several minutes.

  • Subsequent searches using the same domain and date range are performed against pre-loaded data for faster results.

Cache Retention Behavior

Data TypeCache Duration
Historical data (earlier today and older)8 hours
Current day data15 minutes

Selecting Fields in the Results View

To customize visible columns:

  1. Click Show Fields (top left corner).

  2. Enable or disable optional fields using checkboxes.

  3. Default fields cannot be deselected.


Field Definitions

FieldDefaultDescription
ServiceYesService component processing the mail (Scanner or Relay).
Log TimeYesTimestamp shown in the local timezone of the accessing device.
Queue IDYesUnique email queue identifier.
FromYesFrom header value.
SubjectYesSubject header value.
Message SizeNoEmail size.
Total DelayNoTotal processing time through the service (in seconds).
Envelope RecipientNoEnvelope recipient email address.
Response CodeYesSMTP response code.
Response DetailsYesSMTP response details.
Response MessageYesSMTP response message.
Bounce ServiceNoService that generated a bounce.
Bounce Status MessageNoBounce queue status message.

Understanding the Results

Every outbound email processed through ClrStream Outgoing passes through two services:

  1. Scanner Service

  2. Relay Service

Each email generates three log entries (rows).


Row Breakdown

Row 1 – Scanner (Rate Control Module)

  • Evaluates sending limits and rate policies.

  • If the Response Message = "queued", the message passed rate control.

Row 2 – Scanner (Content Check Module)

  • Performs outbound content scanning.

  • If the Response Message = "queued", the message passed content checks.

Row 3 – Relay Service

  • Attempts delivery to the destination mail server.

  • If the Response Message = "queued", the recipient server accepted the message.

Acceptance by the recipient server means successful handoff. Final inbox delivery depends on the recipient’s internal filtering.


Tracing Mail Status

For a Single Email

Use:

  • Queue ID (preferred)

  • Subject + From + To combination

  • Narrow time window

For Multiple Emails / Reporting

  1. Run a broad query.

  2. Download results as CSV.

  3. Filter and analyze using a spreadsheet tool.


Downloading Results

To export search results:

  1. Click the down arrow icon next to the dashboard title.

  2. Download the generated CSV file.

Important Note on Time Zones

  • Dashboard timestamps are displayed in the local timezone of the viewing device.

  • Exported CSV timestamps are in UTC.

  • Time differences may appear due to timezone conversion.


Best Practices for Efficient Tracing

  • Always narrow your time range before running a search.

  • Use Queue ID for precise troubleshooting.

  • Use optional filters to reduce result size.

  • Be aware of caching behavior when analyzing near-real-time mail flow.