Backup & Restore
Learn how to safely back up and restore your NDTshift server data.
1. Overview
NDTshift stores all punch records, employee data, and configuration settings on your server. Regular backups ensure you can recover from hardware failures, corruption, or accidental deletion.
2. Backup Types
- Database Backup – Contains punch logs, employee accounts, and settings.
- Server Files Backup – Includes configuration files and server code.
- Full System Backup – A complete snapshot of your server environment.
3. How to Back Up
Recommended backup steps:
- Stop the NDTshift server process (PM2 or systemd).
- Export your database using your preferred tool.
- Copy the NDTshift server directory (e.g.,
/opt/ndtshift/). - Store backups in a secure off‑server location.
4. Automated Backups
You can automate backups using cron jobs or scheduled tasks. Example cron entry:
0 3 * * * /usr/local/bin/ndtshift-backup.sh
Automated backups reduce the risk of data loss and ensure consistent retention.
5. Restoring Data
To restore your NDTshift server:
- Install a fresh NDTshift server instance.
- Import your database backup.
- Replace the server directory with your backed‑up files.
- Restart the server process.
After restoring, verify employee accounts and punch logs to ensure data integrity.
6. Best Practices
- Back up daily or weekly depending on usage.
- Store backups off‑site or in cloud storage.
- Encrypt sensitive backup files.
- Test your restore process periodically.