A system for element tracking in documents includes a memory device, a database, and a processor. The memory device is configured to store a mapping in a memory between a linked element within a document and a database object. The database is configured to store the database object. The processor is configured to in response to an update of the database object: a) cause storage in the database of an update event associated with the linked element; and b) provide an update indication that the update associated with the linked element has occurred.