Getting Started with Data Backup
Data Backup - Example
Backing up POS data is an important task and should be done regularly. For the regular execution of the fuse, an automation is offered which automatically performs the fuse in pre-defined cycles.
The following considerations assume that an automatic data backup should be used.
Please keep in mind that an automatic data backup should be checked by you regularly for correct execution. A backup that is not performed (for example, because the backup medium has been removed or is defective) means that you DO NOT have a backup in an emergency.
When you start the MCP, you will therefore receive a message indicating a faulty backup in the event of an error.
Before you set up an automatic data backup, you should work out a backup concept that suits your situation. The following points play a role:
- What do I want to secure?
- Where do I want to secure?
- How often do I want to backup?
- When do I want to secure?
- Who secures?
- How large is the backup scope?
What do I want to secure?
With the integrated data backup, you can back up the data of the Hypersoft desktop programs. No operating systems etc. are backed up. For a complete backup (e.g. hard disk image) please use a different backup software. Depending on the backup variant, Hypersoft is used to back up master data - cash register programming (item data, stations, keyboards, printers, operators, etc.). ) and the transaction data such as cash register sales.
Of the backup variants offered, the master data and transaction data variant has proven itself in practice. This contains all the data needed to restore the system.
Where do I want to secure?
It is advisable to always store the backup on an external medium - external media can be a USB stick, an external hard disk, another PC, a storage location accessible via FTP. The variant via USB stick is the simplest variant, but also a relatively insecure variant, since you can easily remove a USB stick (theft threatens). The backup to your own hard disk may only be carried out in emergencies and transitional cases, e.g. if an external medium is not yet available. The risk of data loss in the event of hard disk failure is present at all times.
How often do I want to back up?
The number of automatic backups is limited. You can (if required) set up an automatic backup variant for each ward (cash registers, office, server). In practice, one automatic backup per day and station has proven its worth.
When do I want to secure?
The best backup time is not available. The backup time is always dependent on the respective company, business hours, and so on. A permanent backup is not provided. The backup is always a snapshot at the time of execution. In practice, backup times at 3 different points in time have proven to be practicable:
In the morning before the start of the cash register or in the evening at the end of the cash register or in the middle of the night (when there is no operation).
If you operate several POS terminals, you can also set up a backup at each station that starts at different times. This would give you multiple protection for your POS system.
Backing up during operation is technically feasible, but not recommended in principle, as it can have a negative effect on the performance of the POS system in terms of response times.
Who secures?
Any PC on which the Hypersoft program is installed can start the backup. The individual PCs are connected to the main device within your network and thus have access to the data to be backed up.
There is only ever one main unit in your POS system. This can be a cash register, an office PC or a server PC. Your data is normally only stored on this main device. This means that this main device must be switched on and accessible at the time of backup. If it is switched off, no fuse can be created. If you don't know which is your main device, consult your Hypersoft representative.
Further documentation: data protection concept
Backup size
A data backup always consists of two files. A descriptive text file and the compressed backup file (ZIP format). The size of the backup file depends on the amount of data it contains - number of items, number of checkout stations, number of images, size of the checkout journal, etc. The size of the backup file depends on the amount of data it contains. In the course of the years of operation, the amount of data will increase and the storage space requirement will also increase. There is no minimum or maximum value for the actual size of the backup file. You must determine the backup size = memory requirement using a manual backup. It is usually much smaller than the Hypersoft program directory with the corresponding data. On average, between 1-5MB booking data can be generated per day (deviations depending on company size).
The time required for a backup also depends on the amount of data and the speed of your PC. As a rule, a data backup is completed in approx. 1 to 2 minutes. For data volumes > 20 MB, however, it can also be longer.
Example of an automatic data backup...
Backup to USB stick, external hard drive, network drive:
- Start the Backup tool via the MCP.
- Select the "Automatic Backup" tab.
- Select the required backup variant - for example, [03] Master data & transaction data complete.
- Choose the name of the backup file (client and weekday have proven themselves).
- Click on "Install automatic backup on this computer".
- Select the backup time (Schedule tab) E.g. daily 04:00
- Confirm the dialog with OK.
- Check your protection scheme
Checking the automatic data backup set up...
Call up the task planning of your PC. There should now be an automatic task for the Hypersoft backup. Select the entry with the right mouse button and choose Executein the menu that appears. The task starts and executes the backup. Then check the location of the backup for the two backup files (a text file with the extension TXT and a packed backup file with the extension ZIP).
Back to the parent page: Integrated data backup