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



This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Alan Hassan

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.

💡 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).

⚙ 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.

❓ 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?

📘 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.

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!


This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Alan Hassan