parsing data from the log file

[pdwivedi]

We have a plant in which all the activities are recorded in a log file. We have to make an application which retrieves data from the log file,like history of a product which is passed from various work stations.
we want to make an application which takes selected data from the log file and displays it in user screen(java page). Can any body suggest how to go about this task.
can we use awk for maintaining a data base which will contain all the useful information so that we can call it from the java page?
or if u have any other idea pls suggest!