Information Exchange Models

Sending Backups to Reset to a Common Dataset

One way to ensure that each implementing partner is working from a common dataset is to distribute a full backup of the IMSMA^NG dataset on a regular basis. The key is to distribute an official national dataset regularly to ensure that Auxiliary data is up to date and that any changes made to other parts of the dataset are distributed. In this way, implementing partners can maintain a common set of national statistics and the dataset reflects the decisions made by the Central Mine Action Authority to resolve errors or issues in importing and exchanging Data Entry Forms.

It is important to understand, however, that the restoration of a backup file overwrites the data in the implementing partner's database including any Data Entry Forms that have not been sent to the Central Mine Action Authority yet, locally created searches and reports. So, the recipient implementing partners should consider the following recommendations:

• Make a complete backup prior to restoring the Central Mine Action Authority’s backup.
• Export all Data Entry Forms that have been entered since the last exchange with the Central Mine Action Authority before restoring a backup.
• Restore only the IMSMA^NG database and GIS database.
• Have a local copy of templates and Saved searches so they may be re-published and re-created in IMSMA^NG.
• Request that any customisation or other non-exportable elements that are important for implementing partners to be created in the national database prior to distribution so they do not need to be recreated each time a new backup is distributed.