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
Centralize Knowledge. Transform Learning.
All-in-one knowledge management and training platform for your employees and customers.
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 #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.Kaizen #226: Using ZRC in Client Script
Hello everyone! Welcome to another week of Kaizen. In today's post, lets see what is ZRC (Zoho Request Client) and how we can use ZRC methods in Client Script to get inputs from a Salesperson and update the Lead status with a single button click. In thisKaizen #222 - Client Script Support for Notes Related List
Hello everyone! Welcome to another week of Kaizen. The final Kaizen post of the year 2025 is here! With the new Client Script support for the Notes Related List, you can validate, enrich, and manage notes across modules. In this post, we’ll explore howKaizen #217 - Actions APIs : Tasks
Welcome to another week of Kaizen! In last week's post we discussed Email Notifications APIs which act as the link between your Workflow automations and you. We have discussed how Zylker Cloud Services uses Email Notifications API in their custom dashboard.Kaizen #216 - Actions APIs : Email Notifications
Welcome to another week of Kaizen! For the last three weeks, we have been discussing Zylker's workflows. We successfully updated a dormant workflow, built a new one from the ground up and more. But our work is not finished—these automated processes are
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
Automation Series: Auto-create Dependent Task on Status Change
In Zoho Projects, you can automatically create and assign a dependent task when a task’s status is updated. This helps teams stay aligned, ensures reviews happen on time, and reduces manual effort. In this post, we’ll walk through an easy setup usingLanguages in Zobot
Hello, I have found a list of supported languages for the Zobot. The information specifies the languages are supported in the following 3 features: SalesIQ supports 34 different languages in the following features. Resources (Articles, FAQs, Small Talks)Composite items inside of composite items; bill of materials needed
Hi Zoho and Everyone, I am evaluating whether Zoho Inventory will work for my small business. I grow and harvest herbs and spices but also get from wholesalers. I use all these items to make herbal teas, but also sell them as individual items on my Shopify store and Etsy. I discovered the composite item bundling and am wondering if I could get some assistance since there is no bill of materials: Our herbal company's best selling tea is a sleepytime tea. Sleepytime Tea can be purchased in three weightsAction required: Reauthorizing your Google account in Zoho Sign for automatic cloud backup to Google Drive
This is applicable to users who have already configured automatic cloud backup to Google Drive. Hi there! Google has mandated reauthorization of all preconfigured third-party integrations to ensure only the necessary scopes are shared as an improved securityZoho CRM Layouts
I have customised all our modules, Leads, Contacts and deals, and within them, I have created lots of different layouts depending on the type of Lead or contact, for example. Since the new Zoho UI came out, they have all disappeared. I have gone intoStreamlining E-commerce Photography with AI Background Tools
Hey Zoho Community, I’ve been messing around with ways to make product images less of a headache for fashion brands on Zoho Commerce. You know how boring generic backdrops can get, and how much time traditional photoshoots eat up, right? I tried out thisWhatsApp IM in Zoho Desk always routes to Admin instead of assigned agent
Hello Zoho Experts, I connected WhatsApp IM to my Zoho Desk account. I only assigned my Customer Service (CS) agent to the WhatsApp channel, and I did NOT include Admin in this channel. However, every new WhatsApp conversation automatically gets assignedhide resolution from help centre
to my surprise, i just found out that the resolution text is public in the helpcenter, even if 'notify customer' is off. is there a workaround to that? how do others deal with this? How zoho support does this and I don't think its used by Zoho in the first place. the resolution is meant to be private, not publicZoho Analytics + Facebook Ads: Performance Alerts for Active Campaigns
Is it possible with integration of Zoho Analytics with Facebook Ads and set up alerts or notifications for active campaigns when performance drops? For example, triggering a notification if CTR goes below a defined threshold or if other key metrics (likeMultiple upload field CRM
I desperately need the functionality to add more than one upload field to web to contacts form. How can I do this?Sort by age
It would be very helpful if there was a way to sort by age in the Age column. Please add this function if possible. Thanks!Lookup Field Option Not Available in Customization
Hello, I am trying to customize different modules (e.g., Work Orders, Systems, and others), but I am unable to find the Lookup field option in the layout customization. When I go to: Setup → Customization → Modules and Fields → Add Field The Lookup fieldScheduled sending of a poll and its results
Is there a way to schedule sending a poll to all my users and have the results sent separately to the team?Canvas View bug
I would like to report a bug. When clone a canvas view from an existing canvas view, if the original canvas view have canvas button with client script. Then the new create canvas view will have canvas button, it is make sense. But when I try to deleteIntegrating Zoho Suite and apps more with Linux
I just got introduced with Zoho just couple of months ago, and I've already planned to contribute to it, even though it's not an open-source software. Still I have found it's potential to beat the tech giants and still being respective towards data privacyStore Submitted Forms as PDF
Hi there, Is there a method to store Form submissions as a PDF in workdrive for archival? I set the form to email the submission to the user and an internal inbox but I'd really love to store the final form as PDF in workdrive automatically. I can't seemSystem Components menu not available for Tablet to select language
I have attached a screenshot of my desktop, mobile and tablet menu builder options. I am using 2 languages in my application. Language Selection is an option under the System Components part of the menu, but only for my desktop and phone(mobile). My tabletSeparate Items & Services
Hi, please separate items and services into different categories. Thank youCRM->INVENTORY, sync products as composite items
We have a product team working in the CRM, as it’s more convenient than using Books or Inventory—especially with features like Blueprints being available. Once a product reaches a certain stage, it needs to become visible in Inventory. To achieve this,Add an option to disable ZIA suggestions
Currently, ZIA in Zoho Inventory automatically provides suggestions, such as sending order confirmation emails. However, there is no way to disable this feature. In our case, orders are automatically created by customers, and we’ve built a custom workflowWhat's new in Zoho Sheet: Simplify data entry and collaboration
Hello, Zoho Sheet community! Last year, our team was focused on research and development so we could deliver updates that enhance your spreadsheet experience. This year, we’re excited to deliver those enhancements—but we'll be rolling them out incrementallyZoho Creator Developer Console | Improved Distribution and Lifecycle Management for apps
Hello everyone, We're excited to introduce new enhancements now in the Zoho Creator Developer Console. These updates strengthen private app distribution through licensing controls and extend environment support across all installed apps, helping teams[Webinar] Solving business challenges- Handling the challenge of transitioning to Zoho Writer from legacy tools
Moving to Zoho Writer is a great way to consolidate your business tools and become more agile. With multiple accessibility modes, no-code automation, and extensive integration with business apps and content platforms, Zoho Writer helps solve your organization'sFeature Request - Gift Cards or Gift Voucher Capability in Zoho Commerce
Hi Zoho Commerce team, I'm comming accross more and more retail businesses who sell gift cards. As there is currently no way to manage this in Zoho Commerce, it is a blocker to addoption. This is particularly popular in Europe and North America. I recentlyHighlight a candidate who is "off limits"
Hello: Is there a way to highlight a candidate who is "off limits"? I would like to have the ability to make certain candidate and / or Client records highlighted in RED or something like that. This would be used for example when we may have placed a candidate somewhere and we want everyone in our company to quickly and easily see that they are off limits. The same would apply when we want to put a client or former client off limits so no one recruits out of there. How can this be done? Cheers,Closing off tasks automatically based on project status
Is there a way to close off all open tasks when a project is set as Cancelled?[Free webinar] Understanding connections and datasources in Zoho Creator - Creator Tech Connect
Hello everyone, We’re excited to invite you to another edition of the Creator Tech Connect webinar. About Creator Tech Connect The Creator Tech Connect series is a free monthly webinar featuring in-depth technical sessions designed for developers, administrators,Bridge the Gap Between your Service and Finance Teams
In field service, the most expensive distance isn’t the drive to a customer’s home—it’s the gap between a finished job and a paid invoice. Zoho FSM leverages the power of Zoho Invoice to handle and manage billing operations. It enables you to: InstantlyDirect URL to "View Record"
I would like to create a button (Deluge Script) to jump to the "view record" without passing by the record menu, but I can not aford to find the right url. I don't want the "view record" as a single page. I want the "view record" in the application like the picture below: Thanks in advance for your helpLive Chat for user
Hi everyone, I’m new to Zoho Creator and wanted to ask if it’s possible to add a live chat option for all logged-in portal users so they can chat internally. I’m trying to create a customer portal similar to a service desk, but for vehicle breakdowns,SalesIQ Chat Owner to CRM Lead Owner Mapping
There is no proper mapping between the SalesIQ chat owner and the CRM lead owner. When a chat is assigned to an agent, the lead created in CRM is often assigned to a different user, forcing admins to manually change ownership every time. This createsProduct line search in quotes
Is there a way to change the search setting when you add a product line to a quote. We have created a field in products called 'Part Number' and I would like when I'm adding a product line to the quote that I can search on that field. At the moment it only searches on product description. In products I can search on the 'Part Number' field Any help welcome.🚀 WorkDrive 6.0 (Phase 1): Empowering Teams with Content Intelligence, Automation, Accessibility, and Control
Hello, everyone! WorkDrive continues to evolve from a robust file management solution into an intelligent, secure, and connected content collaboration platform for modern businesses. Our goal remains unchanged: to simplify teamwork, strengthen data security,Storage Limits
Hello, What is the storage limitations for each user on professional edition? Thanks, MekkiZoho Recruit Community Meetup - London 🇬🇧
Hello Recruiters! We’re excited to announce that the Zoho Recruit team is coming to the UK for an in-person Zoho User Group (ZUG) Meetup in London! This is your chance to connect with fellow Zoho users, learn from experts, and walk away with actionablePower Pivot and Data Modeling functionality in Zoho Sheet
When will MS Excel functionalities like Power Pivot and Data Modeling functionalities be available in Zoho Sheet?Global Search placement in the new UI
Having a hard time with the global search placement in the UI redesign. Surely I can't be the only one. Previously global search placement was perfect. A bar at the top/center of the page. Exactly where you would expect it to be. Since the new UI hasWhat's New - January 2026 | Zoho Backstage
Welcome to 2026! If you thought last year was big, buckle up. We’re stepping into this year with a singular focus: unimaginable growth, elite scalability, and performance benchmarks that leave the old ways of event management in the rearview mirror. AsCliq on your mobile phone
Some of the employees in my company get their cliq on their mobile phones but it will not let them answer the call. The employee has to go to their laptop to access it.Bulk Delete Messages in Cliq
Isn't it possible to bulk delete messages in Cliq? I have them delivered to me as notifications from another service but most of them need to be deleted as not of value. I get dozens of them per day, and deleting them is already difficult is the "Delete"Next Page