# Introduction to elements

Apart from a few minor exceptions, all configurations are created in the SMC, where information is stored as reusable elements.

For example, the NGFW Engines, traffic inspection policies, IP addresses, log filters, backups, and the licenses for the system components are all displayed as elements.

Different element types are provided for different concepts. The elements in the system define information both for adjusting the traffic inspection policies and for managing the system. This chapter gives you a brief description of each type of element.