Access Log in ERPNext
Access Log is a security feature in ERPNext that records data exports and document access activities performed by users. It helps System Managers monitor how sensitive company information is accessed, downloaded, printed, or exported across the system.
Introduced in Version 13, Access Log provides an audit trail for user activities involving reports, files, and documents.
To access Access Log, navigate to:
Home > Users and Permissions > Logs > Access Log
Access Log is available only to users with the System Manager role and serves as an important security and compliance tool.
1. What Activities Are Logged?
ERPNext automatically creates Access Log entries for the following actions:
- Printing Forms
- Printing Reports
- Downloading Private Files
- Exporting Data in XLSX Format
- Exporting Data in CSV Format
These logs help administrators identify when sensitive information has been accessed or exported.
2. Viewing Access Logs
Every logged activity appears as a separate record in the Access Log list.
Each log contains information such as:
- User who performed the action
- Date and time of access
- Type of activity performed
- Related document, report, or file
This provides complete visibility into data access across the organization.
TIP
Regularly review Access Logs to identify unusual export activity and strengthen data security controls within your organization.
3. Report Export Tracking
When an Access Log entry is generated because a report was exported, ERPNext automatically displays a Show Report button.
Using this button, administrators can:
- Open the exported report.
- Review the report data.
- View the filters that were applied during export.
This makes it easier to understand exactly what information was extracted from the system.
Report exports preserve filter information, allowing administrators to audit the exact dataset that was exported.
4. Document Access Tracking
For activities involving direct document access, ERPNext provides a Show Document button within the Access Log entry.
This applies to actions such as:
- Document Printing
- Private File Downloads
- Other document-specific access events
Selecting this option opens the associated document for review.
5. Raw Printing Logs
When users perform Raw Printing, ERPNext stores additional information within the Access Log.
This includes:
- The document being printed.
- The raw print template used.
- The user who initiated the print action.
This provides greater visibility into specialized printing operations and document handling.
6. Benefits of Access Log
Organizations use Access Log to:
- Monitor data exports and downloads.
- Track access to sensitive financial and business information.
- Support internal audits and compliance requirements.
- Investigate suspicious user activities.
- Maintain accountability across ERPNext users.
By maintaining a detailed history of exports and downloads, Access Log strengthens overall system governance and security.
Related Topics
- User Management
- Role Based Permissions
- User Permissions
- Activity Log
- System Settings
- Raw Printing
SUMMARY
Access Log is a security and auditing feature in ERPNext that records document printing, report exports, file downloads, and other data access activities. It enables System Managers to monitor how information is accessed, investigate security incidents, and maintain compliance through a detailed audit trail.
