Back of House
Aztec PCs / NUCs
What is the Aztec PC?
This is the main PC in the back office that runs Aztec, however this section also applies to any additional PCs or NUCs that run iRDP Virtual Terminals or a Super POS Server. Even though the PC is not directly in use by staff members overnight, it is still performing some important functions. Below is a list of just some of the background processes that need the Aztec PC to be switched on and awake (screen saver / monitor off is fine, just not in Sleep or Hibernation mode) in order to operate:
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During Trade |
Overnight |
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Power Source
A PC should always be shut down via the Start Menu rather than by just pressing the button or pulling the power cable out (unless instructed to by IT or Support). It's not ideal to be continually powering off PCs so Windows provides some alternatives:
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Sleep Mode: When a Windows PC is put in Sleep mode, it reduces the power used to just enough to keep the PC memory going. This means anything you’re working on at the time like a document or email will stay just as it is when you ‘wake’ the PC up again.
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Hibernation Mode: When a Windows PC is put into Hibernation mode, it will save your current work status to the hard drive first, so when you ‘wake’ the PC up it will show exactly how you left it instead of how it looks when you freshly boot up your machine. No power is consumed when a PC is in Hibernation mode.
Unfortunately, both these modes will stop all services and background process from working and from an operational point of view will have the same effect as powering the PC off. Because the Aztec PC is in use by most sites 24 hours a day, by default Sleep and Hibernation settings are disabled in the image as these would interrupt the processes listed above from running.
Recommendation
The Aztec PC must be left powered on and 'awake' at all times. The exception is in particular circumstances, such as a site being closed for an extended period of time (and with the agreement of head office). This is so that important overnight processes such as maintenance, iOrder refunds and the link to the Head office is maintained. It will also ensure that you receive Windows updates and Security patches on time, which is important for the safety of your machine and data.
Workstation or Clients PCs
What is a Workstation or Client Machine?
A Client Machine is a secondary installation of Aztec that contains just minimal software to provide a view of Aztec from the main Aztec PC. In terms of Zonal software, there are no dependencies on a Client Machine as all processes run from the main Aztec PC.
Power Management
See section in Aztec PC for details on Windows 10 Sleep and Hibernation mode.
Recommendation
You can keep a Client Machine in Hibernation or Sleep mode when not in use or overnight. It is recommended to use options these rather than powering the machine off every night. If you have a custom Zonal image, you can request this is setup to take affect automatically after a set period of inactivity according to your own preferences, or alternatively you or your IT department will be able to set this up yourself in Settings > Power & Sleep.
POS Server / Comms Box / Comms Server
What is the POS Server?
The POS Server is a piece of hardware that usually lives in the Back Office, often in the Comms Cabinet. Its purpose is to provide account functionality, link together all the tills you have on site and help route messages to printers and the kitchen. If a till cannot contact the POS Server, it will continually reboot while looking for it and intermittently prompt for a user to enter the code for “Standalone Mode”.
Power Source
POS Servers are powered via cable to the mains and may have a power button.
Recommendation
The POS Server must be left powered on at all times.
Switches, Hubs, Routers and Access Points
What are Switches, Hubs, Routers and Access Points?
Switches and Hubs are used to join bits of hardware to the same network, and are generally used to link your tills, POS Server, Wi-Fi Access Points, Kitchen Server and Kitchen Printers to your EPOS network and Aztec PC. Without them these bits of hardware wouldn’t have network connectivity, and also behave as if the Aztec PC was turned off.
Routers provide external Internet connectivity, which is needed for the Aztec PC to link with Head Office and for functionality based in external systems such as Payments, iOrder, Tables, Loyalty and other Integrations.
Access Points provide Wi-Fi within your venue, for both public cloud if provided and wireless EPOS connectivity. The latter is required for wireless devices such as iServe and Payment PEDs.
Power Source
These are powered via cable to the mains and may have a power button.
Recommendation
Network devices must be left powered on at all times.
Office Printers
What are Office Printers?
Office printers are usually connected to the Aztec PC but some sites may have a network printer where the PC prints via the network or Wi-Fi.
Power Source
Office Printers can be powered on or off on the device itself using a Power button. Depending on your model of printer there may be standby options available for configuration within the printer software on the device itself, however there is no harm in keeping the printer powered off when not in use.
Recommendation
You can keep the printer powered off when not in use / overnight.
Monitors - Aztec PC / Workstation
What are PC Monitors?
Usually your Aztec PC and / or your Workstation PC in the office will have a monitor attached
Power Source
Monitors will usually have a power button with which to turn them on or off, with a lead providing power from the mains.
Recommendation
It is safe to power off monitors while not in use