Linking Branches in Smart-IT (SI)

If your company has multiple branches in different locations, you can set up Smart-IT to work across them. Below are three options, listed in order of speed and convenience.

Option 1: Hosted Server (Fastest & Most Reliable)

Use a dedicated or virtual server from a hosting provider like Hetzner. The server will have a fast 100Mb/s+ internet connection in a secure data center.

All branches will work from this central server.

Features:

✔️ Print separate or combined statements per branch.

✔️ Set up multiple warehouses and enable inter-branch transfers.

✔️ Most reliable option with strong security.

Considerations:

Monthly hosting costs apply.

Option 2: Remote Desktop Connection (Slower but Similar to Option 1)

Setup:

•Host your own server and connect via Remote Desktop (RDP) over the internet.

•Similar functionality to Option 1, but slower connection speeds depend on upload speeds.

•Symmetric fiber is recommended (ADSL is too slow).

Requirements:

•Fixed IP address & a router that supports it.

•Port forwarding (RDP port 3389) from the router to the server.

•Windows Professional with RDP patch or Windows Server with client access licenses

     (Recommended: Windows Server 2016 Essentials with 25 built-in licenses).

•Your ISP may charge extra for a fixed IP address.

Considerations:

•If the internet goes down, the server remains operational at its base location.

•Slower speeds compared to a hosted server.

•Additional hardware & networking setup required.
 

Option 3: Separate Databases with siLink (Most Independent & Reliable)

Setup:

Each branch runs independently with its own separate database.

Use siLink to sync items, prices, and stock levels between branches.

Features:

✔️ Fast & reliable – no dependence on internet speed.

✔️ Uses Inter-Branch GL accounts and external warehouse transfers.

✔️ No central server required.

Considerations:

•Manual statement consolidation is required at year-end.

•Account customers must have a separate account at each branch (no centralized admin).
 

Choosing the Best Option

Best Performance & Reliability: ✅ Option 1 (Hosted Server)

Lower Cost but Slower: ✅ Option 2 (Remote Desktop)

Independent Branches, No Internet Dependency: ✅ Option 3 (Separate Databases with siLink)

http://bitly/SiLinkingBranches