Surely the existing passport scanners and database behind them have always been capable of logging the entry date of a pax and exit date? After all, at non-Schengen destinations in Europe the passport is scanned both on the way in and out and has been like this for years now.
Why has has it been necessary to bring in a whole new system to do this? Does the existing system just read the electronic details from each passport to check date validity etc....but not store anything?
Because the new system introduces an electronic manner of checking eligibility of entry to Schengen against the entry criteria, and so when functioning you’ll answer questions about purpose of visit, financial means to support yourself etc.
So basically it’s a step beyond what is done now, noting it is very rare to be questioned about purpose of visit etc on entry now.
EES also introduced biometric checks which are not currently done.