Definition
A lock date blocks new entries, edits and postings dated on or before a chosen day. Once a month, quarter or year has been reported, filed or audited, the lock date stops anyone from changing it by accident. Late items are then booked in the current open period instead of silently rewriting history.
How it works
Set the lock date as the last step of each close: after adjustments, review and sign-off, move it to the last day of the closed period. For VAT, lock at least up to the end of the last filed return so that the books keep agreeing with what was declared.
A lock date is lighter than closing a fiscal year. It does not create closing entries or move balances; it only freezes transactions. Many teams keep the current month open and lock everything older.
If something must change in a locked period, an authorized user can move the lock date back, make the correction and lock it again. Ledgeriano records who changed the lock date and when in its audit trail.
Example: monthly locking
After the March close is signed off on 8 April, the lock date moves to 31 March. A supplier bill dated 29 March that arrives on 15 April is booked on 15 April (or 1 April) with a note, instead of reopening March.