Give your server the gift of life this Christmas

Your server computer is the brain of your practice management system, so what should you do with it when your practice is closed during the festive season? 

 Preparation 

A little maintenance goes a long way. Ensuring your server computer is running optimally will provide you with confidence that everything will be okay when you return to work after celebrating and enjoying the seasonal festivities. 

🔧 Update and install any outstanding Windows updates. 
🔧 Perform a database backup so you’re prepared for worst-case scenarios. 

💡It is advisable that you contact your IT support provider before carrying out any of these tasks to confirm if this will interrupt any scheduled updates/backups. 

 Keeping things operational 

We advise that you leave your server computer powered on and operational during any practice closures, the same as during evenings and weekends. This has several benefits for both EXACT and your practice; 

📨 Automated patient communications will still send, reminding patients of their upcoming appointments, recalls and more. 
📝 Patients can access their online forms and return them to your system without issue. 
📆 Online appointments can be booked as your online booking system can still access your appointment book. 
📆 Appointment cancellations will be marked correctly rather than as FTA’s. 
💻 Retain remote access to your system (if this has been configured). 

 As your patient's free time increases due to the festive season, it’s a good idea to ensure your online booking system remains operational, letting your patients fill book appointments while you’re with your friends and family. 

Power-saving 

Even though you’re leaving your server computer powered on, there are additional steps you can take to reduce your practice running costs at the same time. 

💻 Switch-off your server computers monitor. 
💻 Switch-off any printers, scanners and Clinipads (tablets). 
💻 Power off any computers (workstations) you do not need to remotely access. 

💡Adding a reminder to your phone-system reminding patients they can book online, can help keep your bookings flowing in. 

But most of all, remember to switch off and enjoy the festivities!