What Are the Best Practices for Building an Internal Network Management System with Django?

Hi everyone 👋,

I'm currently working on a Django-based project called Internal Network Management System (INMS). The goal is to create a web application that helps manage devices connected to a company's internal network.

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💡 Project Goals

This system will include:

• Device management: Add, update, and monitor devices (IP, MAC, status, etc.)
• Event logging: Record actions, changes, and suspicious behavior.
• Role-based permissions: Admin, Operator, Viewer, etc.
• Detailed network usage reports.
• Modular architecture using Django apps (devices, users, logs, reports...).
• Secure API endpoints (possibly using DRF).

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⚙️ Tech Stack

• Backend: Django (CBVs + Django REST Framework)
• Database: PostgreSQL
• Frontend: (Currently minimal, might expand later)
• Security: Implementing role-based access, logging, input validation, etc.

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❓ What I Need Help With

I'm looking for advice and best practices to follow while building this system. Some areas I’d love guidance on:

1. Security
   
   What are essential Django/DRF security practices to protect internal apps?

2. Architecture
   
   Is there a clean way to structure multi-app Django projects like this?

3. Scalability & Maintainability
   
   How can I future-proof the project in case it grows beyond initial scope?

4. Audit Logging
   
   Any best practices for storing and managing audit trails in Django?

5. Modular Services
   
   Should I consider a service layer or keep logic inside views/models/signals?

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📘 My Current Progress

• Designed the full app structure with separated Django apps.
• Using CBVs + DRF (APIView currently).
• Planned database models and roles.
• Working on event logging and device tracking next.

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If you’ve worked on similar internal tools or Django-based systems, I’d greatly appreciate any tips, warnings, or suggested patterns 🙏

Thanks in advance!