What is the final step if no timestamp is found during processing?

When no timestamp is found during the processing of data in Splunk, the system resorts to using the current system time for the timestamp. This approach ensures that even if no explicit timestamp is available within the incoming data, there is a fallback mechanism that allows the data to still be ingested and indexed. By using the current system time, Splunk can maintain a consistent timeline for the data ingestion process, thus facilitating the analysis and search capabilities without significantly impacting the overall operation.

This method is particularly useful because it prevents data from being skipped or delayed during indexing, allowing administrators and users to have immediate access to the latest information even if the original data lacks a timestamp. As a result, using the current system time acts as a practical solution for ensuring data continuity and accessibility.