Kaizen #150 : Track and Monitor Activities in Zoho CRM using the Export Audit Log API
Hello all!
Welcome back to another post in our Kaizen series.
This post details how to back up and track history of actions, such as those performed on a module (example: Leads), track actions performed by specific CRM users, and filter entries within a specific time range, using the Export Audit Log API introduced in Version 7.
Use Case
Zylker, a startup IT firm, has hired 10 project trainees for a six-month training program for the role of Technical Support Engineers. The manager at Zylker has added each trainee to the Zoho CRM as a user. These trainees interact with customers by giving product demos, attending meetings and calls, creating tasks, and being responsible for making deals won.
Solution
Zylker uses Zoho CRM's Export Audit Log API to track trainee activities. By exporting audit logs, the manager monitors how many calls, meetings, and tasks each trainee has completed. This helps the manager highlight areas where trainees need improvement and adjust training programs. After six months, the manager reviews the logs to decide which trainees performed well and should be offered permanent positions.
Note:
Users in the Administrator profile or CEO Role can access the audit logs. However, other users can only view their own and their sub-ordinates' audit Logs.
Exporting Audit Log
The Export Audit Log API is an asynchronous API, and an export job will be scheduled to export the audit log details. The exported audit log will be downloaded in either CSV or ZIP format, depending on the number of entries in the result. You can check the job's status using the Get the Status of the Export Audit Log Job API. Once the job is complete, you can download the results using the Download Export Audit Log Result API.
Let us see how Zylker uses the Zoho CRM API to monitor their trainees' performance.
Create Export Audit Log Job:
Sample Request: {api-domain}/crm/{version}/settings/audit_log_export
Request Method: POST
Scope: ZohoCRM.settings.audit_logs.CREATE
Notes:
- The above sample request exports up to the last three years of audit log data across all modules in your Zoho CRM.
- The input request is optional i.e., if you skip the input request, the system will still export all actions in Zoho CRM.
- Use filters to export specific audit entries.
The sample input below is used to export an audit log for all 10 trainees in the Calls, Events, and Tasks modules over a six-month time range.
{ "audit_log_export": [ { "criteria": { "group_operator": "and", "group": [ { "field": { "api_name": "done_by" }, "comparator": "in", "value": [ { "name": "Joe", "id": "5725767000000583089" }, { "name": "Boyle", "id": "5725767000000583000" }, { "name": "John", "id": "5725767000000583001" }, . . . ] }, { "group_operator": "and", "group": [ { "group_operator": "and", "group": [ { "field": { "api_name": "audited_time" }, "comparator": "between", "value": [ "2024-01-05T00:00:00+05:30", "2024-06-04T23:59:59+05:30" ] }, { "field": { "api_name": "module" }, "comparator": "in", "value": [ { "api_name": "Calls", "id": "5725767000000033015" }, { "api_name": "Events", "id": "5725767000000002195" }, { "api_name": "Tasks", "id": "5725767000000002193" } ] } ] } ] } ] } } ] } |
The above input schedules a job to export data that matches the criteria. The response to the above request is given below, and we will discuss how to see the status of the export audit log job and how to download the result in the upcoming sections in this post.
Refer to the Input JSON Keys to Export Audit Log Using Multiple Filters for input keys' explanations.
Note:
With filters (either single or multiple criteria), you can export up to 6 months (180 days) of audit log data. Note that the time range should not exceed 180 days.
Sample Response:
{ "audit_log_export": [ { "status": "success", "code": "SCHEDULED", "message": "ExportAuditlog scheduled successfully.", "details": { "id": "5725767000003525045" //unique job ID of the export audit log job. } } ] } |
The manager has scheduled an export audit log job to review their trainees' activities within the specified time range (six months).
Get the Status of the Export Audit Log Job
The manager at Zylker retrieves the details of the export audit log jobs that were scheduled previously using the POST Export Audit Log API.
- Exporting All Trainees' Activities: By reviewing the complete log, the manager can analyze the overall performance of all trainees.
- Filtering Specific trainees' Activities: Once after reviewing the entire log, the manager could filter data of only those trainees with average performance and provide them with the required training to help them improve.
Zylker retrieves the status of all scheduled export audit log jobs using the following URL:
{api-domain}/crm/{version}/settings/audit_log_export
By default, it returns all the scheduled export jobs.
For retrieving the status of a specific scheduled export audit log job, Zylker uses the following URL:
{api-domain}/crm/{version}/settings/audit_log_export/{export_job_id}
Request Method: GET
Scope: ZohoCRM.settings.audit_logs.READ
Here is the sample response showing the status of the export audit log job for all the trainees:
{ "audit_log_export": [ { "id": "5725767000003525048", "status": "finished", "job_start_time": "2024-08-07T12:12:39-07:00", "job_end_time": "2024-08-07T12:12:44-07:00", "expiry_date": "2024-08-14T12:12:39-07:00", "created_by": { "name": "Jim", //Zylker's Manager "id": "5725767000000411001" }, "criteria": { "group_operator": "and", "group": [ { "comparator": "between", "field": { "api_name": "audited_time" }, "value": [ "2024-01-05T00:00:00+05:30", "2024-06-04T23:59:59+05:30" ] }, { "comparator": "in", "field": { "api_name": "module" }, "value": [ { "api_name": "Tasks", "id": "5725767000000002193" }, { "api_name": "Events", "id": "5725767000000002195" }, { "api_name": "Calls", "id": "5725767000000033015" } ] } ] }, "download_links": [ ] } ] } |
Response JSON Keys explanation:
- audit_log_export (JSON array) : Contains the details for the audit log export request of the trainees.
- id (string) : Represents the unique job ID of the export audit log job.
- status (string) : Represents the status of the export audit log job. Possible values: Progress, Scheduled, Finished, and Failed.
- job_start_time (string) : Represents the time at which the export job started.
- job_end_time (string) : Represents when the export job was completed.
- expiry_date (string) : Represents the expiry time of the exported audit log available in the download links.
- created_by (JSON object) : Represents the ID and Name of the Zoho CRM user who initiated the export job.
- criteria (JSON object) : Represents the conditions specified for a specific export audit log job using the Create Export Audit Log API.
- download_links (JSON array) : Represents the unique downloadable link for the exported audit log. You can use this link to download the log data using the GET - Download Export Audit Log Result API.
Download Export Audit Log Result
The manager at Zylker can download the result logs using the the "download_links" JSON array key in the response Get the Status of the Export Audit Log Job API.
An export audit log will be in either CSV or ZIP format, depending on the number of entries in the result. If the audit log contains 100,000 or fewer entries, the system will automatically export the logs in a CSV file. If there are more than 100,000 entries, the logs will be split into multiple CSV files inside a ZIP file, with each CSV file holding up to 100,000 entries. A maximum of 10,00,000 audit entries will be exported in a ZIP file.
Request Method: GET
Scope: ZohoFiles.files.READ
In our case, download the audit log result in the CSV file format.
Based on the downloaded results, the manager will analyze the trainees' performance to make hiring decisions and identify areas where those with average performance may need additional training. This approach helps the manager at Zylker to keep track of all trainees' activities regularly.
We trust that this post meets your needs and is helpful. Let us know your thoughts in the comment or reach out to us at support@zohocrm.com
Stay tuned for more insights in our upcoming Kaizen posts!
- Previous Kaizen Post: Kaizen #149 : Using GraphQL APIs to fetch data in a consolidated way
- Further Readings:
Access your files securely from anywhere
New to Zoho Recruit?
Zoho Developer Community
New to Zoho LandingPage?
Zoho LandingPage Resources
New to Zoho Survey?
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho CRM Plus?
Deliver unforgettable customer experiences
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Zoho Marketing Plus?
Everything you need to run your marketing
New to Bigin?
Topic Participants
Subramanian K
Sticky Posts
Kaizen #152 - Client Script Support for the new Canvas Record Forms
Hello everyone! Have you ever wanted to trigger actions on click of a canvas button, icon, or text mandatory forms in Create/Edit and Clone Pages? Have you ever wanted to control how elements behave on the new Canvas Record Forms? This can be achievedKaizen #142: How to Navigate to Another Page in Zoho CRM using Client Script
Hello everyone! Welcome back to another exciting Kaizen post. In this post, let us see how you can you navigate to different Pages using Client Script. In this Kaizen post, Need to Navigate to different Pages Client Script ZDKs related to navigation A.Kaizen #210 - Answering your Questions | Event Management System using ZDK CLI
Hello Everyone, Welcome back to yet another post in the Kaizen Series! As you already may know, for the Kaizen #200 milestone, we asked for your feedback and many of you suggested topics for us to discuss. We have been writing on these topics over theKaizen #197: Frequently Asked Questions on GraphQL APIs
🎊 Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – We want to hear from you! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.Kaizen #198: Using Client Script for Custom Validation in Blueprint
Nearing 200th Kaizen Post – 1 More to the Big Two-Oh-Oh! Do you have any questions, suggestions, or topics you would like us to cover in future posts? Your insights and suggestions help us shape future content and make this series better for everyone.
New to Zoho TeamInbox?
Zoho TeamInbox Resources
Zoho CRM Plus Resources
Zoho Books Resources
Zoho Subscriptions Resources
Zoho Projects Resources
Zoho Sprints Resources
Qntrl Resources
Zoho Creator Resources
Zoho CRM Resources
Design. Discuss. Deliver.
Zoho Show Resources
Get Started. Write Away!
Writer is a powerful online word processor, designed for collaborative work.
Zoho CRM コンテンツ
-
オンラインヘルプ
-
Webセミナー
-
機能活用動画
-
よくある質問
-
Ebook
-
-
Zoho Campaigns
- Zoho サービスのWebセミナー
その他のサービス コンテンツ
Nederlandse Hulpbronnen
ご検討中の方
Recent Topics
Workdrive and ChatGPT Team Synced Connectors
Hi, we want to be able to integrate Zoho Workdrive with OpenAI’s ChatGPT Team plan. Google Drive and OneDrive both offer this, zoho please catch up asap. We dont want to have to put our company files in google drive, we want to allow chatgpt Team editionAlias Name (on items) use case in Zoho inventory
Hey, Hope everyone is well. Wondering if anyone can shed some light on the use case of Alias Names on Products in Zoho Inventory? Cheers, ChrisUpdating an Invoice Line Item's Discount Account via API Call / Deluge Custom Function
I need help updating an invoice line item's discount account via API. Below is a screenshot of the line item field I am referring to. Now the field to the left of the highlighted field (discount account) is the sales income account. I am able to modifySend e-mail with attachments
Dear Zoho, How is that possible in Zoho Flow to send an e-mail with attachment? Just a simple example: Zoho Flow checks my Zoho mails and if the conditions starts the trigger then I would like to send an email with the original email's attachment. Any idea? BR, AdamHow to I get checkboxes on a subform to update via deluge
Hello, would someone be able to tell me what I'm doing wrong here? I am trying to take the contents of a Deals subform and add them to an invoice then update the checkbox on each row so that 'add to invoice' is unticked and 'invoiced' is ticked. The outputCRM Related list table in Zoho analytics
In Zoho Analytics, where can I view the tables created from zoho crm related lists? For example, in my Zoho CRM setup, I have added the Product module as a related list in the Lead module, and also the Lead module as a related list in the Product module.Cadences
I have just started using Cadences for follow-up up email pipeline. Is it just me or do you find the functionality very basic? For example, it will tell me (if I go looking for it) if someone has replied to a follow-up and been unenrolled; but it won'tAdd Webhook Response Module to Zoho Flow
Hi Zoho Flow Team, We’d like to request a Webhook Response capability for Zoho Flow that can return a dynamic, computed reply to the original webhook caller after / during the flow runs. What exists today Zoho Flow’s webhook trigger can send custom acknowledgementsYour bot just got smarter: AI-Powered routing that reads between the lines
What if your bot could tell the difference? Between a visitor who just needs a quick answer, someone actively comparing options, and a frustrated customer one click away from leaving? Most bots can't. They deliver the same response to everyone, missingTips & tricks: Make SalesIQ automations work for you
Every day, thousands of visitors land on your website. Some browse, some buy, and some leave without a word. But, wouldn’t it be great if you could automatically know who’s interested, engage them at the right moment, and never miss a lead, and all thisUrgent Security Feature Request – Add MFA to Zoho Projects Client Portal Hello Zoho Projects Team,
Hello Zoho Projects Team, We hope you are doing well. We would like to submit an urgent security enhancement request regarding the Zoho Projects Client Portal. At this time, as far as we are aware, there is no Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) availableUnified customer portal login
As I'm a Zoho One subscriber I can provide my customers with portal access to many of the Zoho apps. However, the customer must have a separate login for each app, which may be difficult for them to manage and frustrating as all they understand is thatMicrosoft Teams now available as an online meeting provider
Hello everyone, We're pleased to announce that Zoho CRM now supports Microsoft Teams as an online meeting provider—alongside the other providers already available. Admins can enable Microsoft Teams directly from the Preferences tab under the MeetingsZoho Projects - Task Owner filter at Project level
Hi Projects Team, The feature requests I would like to raise is the ability to create a custom view at the project level for projects with tasks owned by a user or users. For example "Ashley's Projects" custom view might contain a list of project in whichCadences
I have just started using Cadences for follow-up up email pipeline. Is it just me or do you find the functionality very basic? For example, it will tell me (if I go looking for it) if someone has replied to a follow-up and been unenrolled; but it won'tZoho Books-Accounting on the Go Series!
Dear users, Continuing in the spirit of our 'Function Fridays' series, where we've been sharing custom function scripts to automate your back office operations, we're thrilled to introduce our latest initiative – the 'Zoho Books-Accounting on the Go Series'.Custom Fonts in Zoho CRM Template Builder
Hi, I am currently creating a new template for our quotes using the Zoho CRM template builder. However, I noticed that there is no option to add custom fonts to the template builder. It would greatly enhance the flexibility and branding capabilities ifWould be really awesome to have Created Time and Modified Time showing for custom functions list
It would be SO HELPFUL to be able to sort custom functions by created time/ modified time. Also seeing a created by/ modified by with the little profile picture would be supremely helpful as well. Just really hard sometimes to find a function you wereWhat's New in Zoho Analytics - October 2025
Hello Users! We're are back with a fresh set of updates and enhancements to make data analysis faster and more insightful. Take a quick look at what’s new and see how these updates can power up your reports and dashboards. Explore What's New! ExtremeTicket Export Does Not Include Ticket Threads
Dear Zoho Desk Support Team, I hope you’re doing well. I would like to report an issue regarding the ticket export functionality in Zoho Desk. Currently, when exporting tickets, the ticket threads or conversation history are not included — only the ticketPayments made notification
This is a really wonderful feature but we can only use it for about 50% of payments made & have to revert to sending statements which is a real chore. Credits applied to the bills paid in the notification aren't included & this causes great confusion in the accounts receivable departments. Please, please add this required feature asap ! .....Ability to add VAT to Retainer Invoices
Hello, I've had a telephone conversation a month ago with Dinesh on this topic and my request to allow for the addition of VAT on Retainer Invoices. It's currently not possible to add VAT to Retainer Invoices and it was mutually agreed that there is absolutely no reason why there shouldn't be, especially as TAX LAW makes VAT mandatory on each invoice in Europe! So basically, what i'm saying is that if you don't allow us to add VAT to Retainer Invoices, than the whole Retainer Invoices becomesZOHO DESK link with Power BI
HI, I am using ZOHO Desk for last two years and now my client is asking to integrate ZOHO desk data to Power BI so that they can use Data for reporting. Kindly guide in details so that i can give access to ZOHO desk export data for more visibility.URLs being masked despite disabling tracking
Hey, We had disabled click tracking from an email update we are sharing with our users. Despite this, the URL the end user is receiving is masked, and looks like "https://qksyl-cmpzourl.maillist-manage.net/click/1d8e72714515cda6/1d8e72714515ca70" insteadZoho CRM - Calendar Cards View - Let Users Decide What Is Displayed On Calendar Entries
Imagine planning your week of face-to-face meetings across three counties. You’re trying to group appointments by location to make the best use of your time, but Zoho CRM’s calendar doesn’t show where each meeting is happening. You’re left trying to rememberSet to Review for all
We are testing the use of Writer as part of an internal review process for statement of work documents and have found that when the document is changed from Compose to Review by one person, that is not reflected for all others who view the document. IsDashboard Autorefesh
Good day, I am a dashboard that displays the number of tickets based on "Product Name". This dashboard is displayed on a big TV for the team to monitor. Can the dashboard auto-refresh every few minutes to display the new values? Currently, we have closedDeferred/ Unearned revenue
Dear Zoho Team, Just in case you have missed out my query posted few days ago: We issue invoices relating to 12-month web hosting service. When we issue the invoice, we should record the entire amount of the invoice as DEFERRED/UNEARNED REVENUE (ie. $10Report Hover Setting
Would be great if we will able to show information to the user while hovering a record in a report.Bigin Android app update: Zoho Books integration
Hello everyone! We’re excited to introduce Zoho Books integration on the latest version(v1.8.5) Bigin Android app. Once the integration is completed in the web(bigin.zoho.com), the Zoho Books tab will be visible in detail View of Contacts, Companies,Agent assignment filter?
Godo day, We are starting to play with FSM to see if it's going to work for our needs. Now so far we have found that it's very restrcitve in the field department you you have layout rules or can't even hide fields depending on the users roles. We can'tAudit Log enhancements: Increased retention period, better user visibility, and more
Hello everyone, The Audit Log brings in the following enhancements which improve the overall ability to manage data. Why did we make these updates? Extended Data Retention: Audit data can now be filtered and exported for a 60-day period, doubling theQuestion Regarding Managing Sale Items in Zoho Books
Good day, I was wondering about something. Right now, Zoho Books doesn’t seem to have a way to flag certain items as being on sale. For example, if I want a list of specific items to be on sale from October 1 to October 12, the user would have to export[WEBINAR] Smooth year-end closure with Zoho Books (KENYA)
Hello there, This webinar is for all Kenyan businesses looking to wrap up their financial year smoothly! Join our free session to learn how Zoho Books can simplify your year-end process. What to expect from this webinar: - All the latest updates in ZohoSystem flaws and lack of response from Zoho
I have had to go on here as no-one is replying to my emails regarding my problem (been 10 days and no email reply) and your chat facility online through your Zoho Books software opens and closes immediately, so not functioning properly. I actually calledCustomer Grouping
Hi, how can I group multiple customers into single group. So that I can have idea of accounts receivables of all the customers in single group. Like if there are multiple subsidiaries of same company we have having a business with, and want to view theTwo currencies
More and more I am finding that internattional payments' fees are unpredictable. I would like, on my invoices that are in a foreign currency (eg. USD$ or EUR€) for there to be a GBP£ TOTAL display alongside the invoice's currency total. This would makeZoho Books | Product updates | September 2025
Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From PayNow payment method to applying journal credits to invoices and bills in other locations, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. IntegrateGST Slabs Redefined: Stay Compliant Using Zoho Books!
Hello Everyone! The Government of India is rolling out new GST rates, a major reform aimed at simplifying the current tax structure starting 22 September 2025. GST will move from four slabs (5%, 12%, 18%, 28%) to two main slabs (5% and 18%), plus a specialZoho Books | Product updates | October 2025
Hello users, We’ve rolled out new features and enhancements in Zoho Books. From iOS 26 updates to viewing reports as charts, explore the updates designed to enhance your bookkeeping experience. Zoho Books Updates for Apple Devices At WWDC 2025, AppleNext Page