A method that includes providing a database for storing meta-data that describes steps in a workflow and an order of the steps in the workflow. The meta-data includes, for each of the steps: a reference to an input data file for the step; a description of a transaction performed at the step; and a reference to an output data file generated by the step based at least in part on applying the transaction to the input data file. Data that includes meta-data for a step in the workflow is received and the data is stored in the database. A trace of the workflow is generated based at least in part on contents of the database. The generating is based on receiving a request from a requestor for the trace of the workflow. At least a subset of the trace is output to the requestor.