Torgsoft Hybrid: work without the Internet and data synchronization

Torgsoft Hybrid is an additional option for the terminal version of the software that allows a retail outlet to continue sales and print receipts even without an Internet connection to the central server. It is installed locally on the cashier’s computer and synchronizes data with the server when the connection is restored.

Below is a detailed description of the operating principles, the synchronization process, and the setup.

1. How the “Hybrid” mode works without Internet

Hybrid is a separate application (TorgSoft Hybrid) installed on a local drive of the computer (recommended: not on the system drive C).

• Automatic switching. If the Internet connection drops during work, the program automatically switches to offline mode. An icon with the text “Offline mode: Enabled” appears at the bottom of the window.

• Data storage. All operations (receipts, sales) are saved in a local database on the cashier’s computer. After the Internet is restored, they will be sent to the server.

• Available modes:

• Sales: you can scan items, accept payments, and print receipts.

• Stock status: you can view item balances (data is taken from the last synchronization).

• Working with PRRO. The software ECR in Hybrid can operate in offline mode. The duration of one offline session must not exceed 36 hours, and the total number of such hours per month is 168. If there is no Internet longer than that, fiscalization will stop until the connection is restored.

Important limitations in offline mode:

• It is not possible to create a product return (this mode is available only when there is a connection to the server).

• The loyalty system for VIP customers does not work.

• It is not possible to sell items under a promotion.

• The quantity of weighed goods must be entered manually (if the scales are not configured specifically for offline operation).

2. Data synchronization

Synchronization is the process of exchanging data between the local Hybrid application and the main database on the server.

• Automatic synchronization. When the Internet connection is restored, the icon at the bottom changes to a connection indicator, and the program automatically sends the accumulated data (“packages”) to the server.

• Queue indicator. In the lower-right corner of the main form, the text “Packages in queue” with the number of operations not yet sent is displayed. When synchronization completes successfully, this text disappears.

• Technical implementation. Data exchange is handled by the “Application Server” (TorgSoftService) service, which must be running on the main server. If synchronization fails, restarting this service on the server often helps.

• Cache clearing. If user settings, access rights, or new items were added on the main server, but they did not appear in Hybrid, you need to refresh the data manually. To do this, click “Display technical synchronization information” -> the “Clearing information in cache” block -> the “All information” button.

3. Connection setup

For Hybrid to work correctly, you must configure both the server and the local PC.

On the Server side:

1. The “Terminal” license and the “Torgsoft Hybrid” option must be activated.

2. The Application Server must be running. In the AdminServer.ini settings file (in the program folder), the correct port (default 6001) and the server name must be specified.

3. You must open the port (e.g., 6001) in Windows Firewall and set up port forwarding on the router if the server is behind NAT.

4. A static IP address is recommended for stable connections from remote locations.

On the Client side (store):

1. Install the “Torgsoft Hybrid” program.

2. In the login window, click “Settings” and enter the server IP address and the Port (the same as configured on the server, usually 6001).

3. Enter the user login and password (the same as for the main program) and select the database.

4. Important! For the first launch, an Internet connection is required to sign in and download the data. You also need to complete at least one sale in online mode to enable subsequent offline work.

4. Hardware operation in Hybrid

To use retail equipment in Hybrid, separate licenses are required (they differ from standard licenses for the local version):

• Connecting the software ECR for the Hybrid option allows you to fiscalize receipts through the local program.

• Connecting a bank terminal for the Hybrid option allows you to automatically send the amount to the terminal.

• Connecting electronic scales for the Hybrid option.

• Connecting a fiscal registrar for the Hybrid option.

Hardware is configured in the “Settings” menu of the Hybrid program, similarly to the main Torgsoft version.

Using “Torgsoft Hybrid” is a reliable way to protect retail operations from Internet outages, but it requires careful configuration of the application server and the purchase of specific hardware licenses.