When it comes to load-shedding each site will have one of two scenarios:
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Load Shedding causes a lot of damage to sensitive POS computer equipment and can cause damage to harddrives, printers and databases. We recommend the following actions to prevent damage.
Shut down all POS machines properly before you lose power. Kitchen, POS and Self-service computers first, SERVER last!
When power comes back, always boot the SERVER first, and the rest after the server is booted up.
If you are scheduled to lose power before closing, ensure any outstanding orders and drivers are paid and posted
Cosoft recommends surge protection and UPS equipment on all computers to prevent damage and allow time to properly shut down.
Keep regular backups of your database on an external drive or cloud storage
Advice on UPS Backup
In the case where the Store has a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply, or battery backup device) installed, once load-shedding starts the UPS will start to beep. Once it starts beeping you will have about 2 - 5 minutes to correctly shut down the computers before the UPS goes flat.
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The UPS is not meant to run the store when the power goes off. It only serves to allow time to shut off your devices safely.
Do not leave the UPS to go flat and the computers turn off by themselves - this can corrupt the hard drives and cause you to lose data.
Print out all the necessary slips or reports and shut down the computers before the UPS goes flat.
Below is an example (Note that not all the models look the same but they have mostly the same design)
Steps on shutting down the server and tills:
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Once you have confirmed the computers will shut down, this process needs to be completed on each computer.
Scenario two: "The Store does not have a UPS"
In the case where the Store does not have a UPS installed, once load-shedding starts the computers will all instantly switch off.