Tag Archives: data backups

What Types of Data Should Be Backed Up?

Data Backup, , ,
20160526

Learn how to keep the lock on your most important data.

Data back up is incredibly important. If you’re in business, no matter what you do, you probably already understand the importance of backing up your data. We could list all of the reasons to create backups, and everything that could go wrong if you don’t, but that’s been done before. Instead, let’s talk about which types of data really need to be backed up.

Before we dive in, it’s important to note that it’s really best to just back up everything. Data storage is incredibly easy, and it’s also very inexpensive. In many cases, the main expense comes in actually creating and maintaining the backup in the first place, while storing extra data costs little to nothing extra. Because of this, there really isn’t a reason not to back up everything, but there are still types of data that are more important. This is the data that should be stored in several places. It deserves extra focus, and is worth the extra money, if it does end up costing more to store. It’s also the data you should keep in mind as you design your disaster recovery plan. Here are a few types of data that it is the most important to back up.

Customer information

One of the most important things a company possesses is information about its customers. If you lose this information, especially contact information and other detailed information specific to them, you could have to rebuild the entire company from the ground up. Make absolutely sure that this data is safely backed up in multiple places, and with a reputable data backup company.

Employee records

Losing employee records would be almost as bad as losing your customers’ information. You’d have to renegotiate any salaries or benefits packages that aren’t currently stored in paper form. You’d also have to guess how long each employee had worked there. You’d have to complete stacks of paperwork, which would take a huge amount of resources, and you’d risk missing things. It would be a huge hassle to have to repopulate all of your employees’ information. Make sure you have it backed up.

Product plans and records

This is more important for some companies than others. If you provide a standard product or service, like napkins or cleaning, you probably don’t have much documentation that is necessary for your business to operate. On the other hand, most products are specific to the company that makes them. Whether it’s a slightly different design that you don’t want to change, or something ingenuous that no one else even knows how to make, you’ll definitely want to back up any paperwork you have about the design or recipe of your product.

Financial history

Although this may not be as important as the others, it’s definitely good to have records of your financial history. In addition to the fact that you’ll need this to appease the IRS and other governmental organizations, these records will help you analyze where you’ve been, and predict where you’re going.

Inventory records

This one is pretty simple to understand. If you lose your inventory records, you’ll have no choice but to recount your inventory. Although this is possible, and may not create any long-term problems, it will cost a lot of money and time, which will be in short supply after a disaster.

Current orders

Finally, consider how embarrassing it would be to have to ask your customers to replace their orders, especially if they’ve already paid for them. Make sure that all current orders, even if they’ve just come in, are backed up, just in case.

Looking for more information about backing up your company’s most important data? Contact us.

Data Backups: Are You Really Safe?

Data Backup,
20160519

Make sure your data is locked up safe.

If you are part of a business, you probably understand the importance of data backups. You know that, without maintaining backups of everything, any minor accident can delete data and cause major problems, and a major issue, like a natural disaster or a hacker’s attempt to cause damage to your system, can even lead to the business being closed. You probably have an entire plan set up, so that everything is backed up properly, and you may even have a hand in doing it, but do you really know for sure that everything is safe? Are you absolutely positive that all of your data would be easy to obtain if something were to happen? Unfortunately, no matter how perfect your plan is, it still depends on the execution. Here are a few things you can do to make sure everything is as it should be.

Put the plan in writing

Many companies already maintain paperwork concerning their data backup policies. If you do not already have something like this, create it. A written copy of what you expect can keep everyone on the same page. Distribute it to any employee that is involved in the process, and make sure they read it. Be available to answer any questions that they have. Keeping a record, as well as open communication, is the best way to make sure everything is happening like it should. If the policy needs to change, don’t be afraid to update the paperwork.

Hold meetings with relevant staff

Every once in a while, get together with any staff that are involved in creating or maintaining backups. Talk to them about what they’re supposed to be doing, and make sure they’re still doing what they’re supposed to. This is a great time to address any concerns anyone has. It’s also a great opportunity to introduce any policy changes.

Communicate with third-party storage companies

Most businesses make use of outside companies to maintain their backup. No matter how much you do yourself, you still need to save at least one copy offsite, which will require assistance from someone else. Even if you use another branch of your own company, it’s important to stay in touch. Make sure that they still understand what you need, and that they are still doing it properly. Don’t be afraid to check up on these outside companies. You have a right to confirm that your data is safe.

Conduct routine audits

Every so often, perform an audit on your backup system. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, or don’t have time, hire another company to do it for you. Create a simulated situation in which some or all of your data goes missing, and solve the problem. Get as many other employees involved as possible, and make it as realistic as possible. This will give you a good idea as to what would happen if data were to actually get lost. Once the test is completed, take the time to analyze the results, and fix any problems that arise.

Get involved

You may have already noticed this as a theme here. The most important thing you can do to make sure your data is safe is to become as involved as possible in the process. Talk to people, create your own policies, and get your hands messy. It may be tempting to set up a system and let it run itself, but this is not the path to take. It’s always best to do it yourself, if you can.

Looking for more help with your backup data? Contact us. We’ll be happy to help you make sure all your data is safe.