The snapshot feature allows you to create a point in time backup of a site and be able to restore the site to that point using the backup. 

Benefits

1. Testing: Customers can test features, for example a new survey, and restore the site to how it was before the testing began.
2. Self service: Customers can create a snapshot to backup their own site and restore when required.
3. Experimentation: Customers can create a snapshot to backup their own site before making changes they are not sure about, knowing they can restore if required.

When should this be used?

A Snapshot creates a moment in time copy of your site, a few examples of when you could use this are:

• Before you upload data
• Before you change a survey if you’re not sure what the changes may do
• Before you begin testing so you can remove all test votes

You can then restore back to the moment in time before you made any changes to the site. 

Another useful situation is if you take a snapshot at the end of each survey. If you saw something strange this year, you could backup the current site, restore to your 2020 site to see and check the data, then restore back to the current day backup you took.

Who is this available to?

Snapshot is available to Superadmin (THI staff) and site Admins. 

Users can only see the snapshots they create, as the development is intended to be used for testing purposes.

Snapshots are not required to be done to 'secure' the data in the site, as THI complete a daily security back up.

How do you find it in the platform?

The Snapshot page is available under Settings.

Warning

This is a useful feature but it also has the ability to disrupt a site, a survey and data if used incorrectly. We recommend you don’t use this during a survey, as restoring to a point in time will remove any responses since that snapshot.

How To Take a Snapshot

1. Navigate to the Snapshot page.

2. Select ‘Take a Snapshot’.

3. Give the snapshot a meaningful name and click Create. 

4. The Snapshot will be created. Note, this may take time depending upon the size of the site.

How To Restore a Snapshot

1. Navigate to the Snapshot page.

2. Select ‘Restore a Snapshot’.

3. You will see all of the snapshots you have made. Note, these are user specific.

4. Select the snapshot to restore, and click Restore.