Knowledgebase: General
POSitive Running Slow
Posted by Sean W, Last modified by Sean W on 29 September 2020 10:46 AM

Does POSitive seem to be running slowly or locking up?

POSitive is a database driven program so a slight delay is expected when working with different parts of the program. Three to five seconds doesn't seem to be unacceptable, but five minutes seems to be too long when saving a purchase order or launching the Inventory Center or customer list. There are a few things that you can do to minimize POSitive wait time.




toolsARTICLE SUMMARY

This article covers several aspects that can affect the performance of POSitive software.



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RECOMMENDED SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
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The first thing you need to do is review our System Requirements knowledgebase article to be sure your hardware and software environment meets, or preferabley exceeds our minimum recommendations. This article is periodically updated so it's good to review it often

POSitive System Requirements:
See: http://kb.gopositive.com/systemrequirements
(Off page hyperlinks open in new tabs/windows)

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WINDOWS AND MICROSOFT UPDATES
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Follow the instructions in step 13 of the 'Add A Workstation: Network Setup Basics' knowledgebase article.
(Off page hyperlinks open in new tabs/windows)

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CLEAR THE MECHANISM
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It isn't uncommon to hear that copies of POSitive have been left open and running for days and weeks on end. I would suggest you start by shutting off all computers that run POSitive as well as the server computer that POSitive and the SQL database is installed on. Next, open POSitive on each computer, starting with the server.

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CREATE SQL INDEXES
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Over a period of time your SQL database may need to be indexed. SQL indexes are very similar to indexes in libraries. SQL indexes allow locating information within your database fast, much like they do in libraries. If all books in a library are indexed alphabetically then you don't need to browse the whole library to find a particular book. Instead you'll simply get the first letter from the book title and you'll find this letter's section in the library starting your search from there, which will narrow down your search significantly. It is a good idea to create SQL indexes periodically to ensure that your database is operating efficiently.


For best results, perform these steps on the server, where POSitive is installed and while nobody is using POSitive. This process may take some time, please do not interrupt it.

1. Login to POSitive with management credentials
2. Click "Maintenance" at the top
3. Click the "Data Utilities" button and then select "Utilities"
4. Click the "Create SQL Indexes" button
5. Press "OK"

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SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS
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Multiple Applications Running Simultaneously
Any software that runs on a computer can impact that computer's performance significantly, depending on how much of that computer's hardware and network resources it is designed to use. The higher the quantity of applications that run simultaneously on the computer, the quicker the performance of that computer begins to degrade.


Background Applications
Any application running in the background can negatively impact POSitive's ability to perform at an efficient level. Some applications can lead to more serious issues, such as limited network connectivity which, among other things, can affect POSitive's ability to communicate with the SQL Server database and cause it to crash. It is highly recommended that you close all background applications before launching POSitive to ensure the best performance and stability on every computer.


Startup Applications
Certain applications may load when Windows starts and are not obviously indicated. For example, they may not appear in the Windows task bar but they may be among some of the active processes, using your computer system's resources. These programs may cause crashes and other difficulties with using POSitive.

Learn how to manage startup applications in Windows 8, 8.1 or 10 here:
See: http://goo.gl/5tRX3P
See: http://goo.gl/gJ9PCE
See: http://goo.gl/2VsPKy


Security Protection Applications
Anti-virus, anti-spyware, firewall and other security protection applications could potentially block POSitive and its files, especially when not properly configured for use with POSitive. We recommend that you add the entire 'POSitive' installation folder, and any SQL Server resources, to your protection software's exclusions/exceptions list on every computer (contact your software's helpdesk or vendor for assistance) .

The following applications have been known to cause issues with POSitive:

Avast!*
CCleaner*
ESET**
Malwarebytes*
AVG Antivirus
AVG TuneUp
BitDefender
EMSISoft
F-Secure
Iobit Advanced System Care*
Kaspersky Anti-virus
Malwarebytes
McAfee Antivirus and
McAfee LiveSafe
Nod32 Antivirus
Norton/Symantec Antivirus/Endpoint Protection*
Panda Antivirus
Threatfire
Trend Micro
VIGuard Anti-virus


--RECOMMENDATIONS--
Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 8:
We recommend Windows Defender



*We recommend these applications be fully uninstalled from your system if adding the POSitive installation folder to their exclusions/exceptions list does not resolve issues
**Known to have caused Windows Cryptonite errors

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TEST YOUR NETWORK
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On the server computer where POSitive is installed, using a stopwatch, perform a test a procedure that seems to take too long, and time how long it takes. Repeat this process on a workstation and compare the difference in time. Since the POSitive installation and SQL database typically reside on the server, the server should be used as the benchmark to compare the performance with other workstations in the store. Now test other workstations. Any type of slowdown experienced during this test may indicate issue with your local area network.

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NETWORK ENVIRONMENT
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The first thing where network environment is concerned

It's not uncommon to find a router, hub, switch or other network device that is designed for a home user installed and in use at a business. You can't really build a house with sticks and expect it to withstand a storm like bricks would. The same goes for a business network. Computers that run POSitive should be connected with network hardware that is designed for a business. Many, many times we hear what a noticeable difference has been made by simply replacing a home based router, such as Linksys or Netgear, with a router designed for business/commercial use, such as Cisco, 3Com, Sierra. Most users are pleasantly surprised and any network professional can be contracted to make the best recommendation for your setup.

Another recommendation we offer to improve performance is to make sure you are running a gigabit (10/100/1000) network (not 10/100)... from the router to the switch to the network adapters in each of the computers. Also, to get the best performance out of your gigabit network, make sure your device network is running equipment from the same vendor/manufacturer. Again, any network professional can be contracted to make the best recommendation for your setup

There are several methods out there that you can use to help you troubleshoot what programs may be running on your computers that might be using your CPU and/or taking up bandwidth on your network.

You might consider having a network technician come out and troubleshoot your network and see if they can offer any advice as to how to speed up your network.



Also, be sure to also review all of the Network Setup Basics
See: http://kb.gopositive.com/networksetupbasics
(Off page hyperlinks open in new tabs/windows)

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SERVER SOFTWARE
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POSitive Setup has previously come bundled with the free version of SQL Server 2005, which throttles the usage of memory and processing power as well as restricts the database size to 4GB. Besides the fact that Microsoft no longer provide security updates for SQL Server 2005, we recommend that you upgrade to SQL Server 2014 Express, which allows for a larger database size of 10GB and improved performance enhancements. However, a free version might still throttle the usage of RAM and processing power. Even if you increased the RAM on the server that the SQL Server runs on, it still might not utilize the extra resources unless it's upgraded to a paid edition of SQL Server. But you should review those limitations and check the system requirements on Microsoft's website to be sure.

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COMPUTER HARDWARE
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As an addendum to the System Requirements, there are some additional things you might be able to do to improve the performance of your computer by adding or replacing existing hard ware components... Such as adding more memory (RAM) or replacing your hard disc drive (HDD) with a solid-state drive (SSD). You may need to consult computer technician to learn more.

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INSTALLATION METHOD ALTERNATIVE (EXPERT)
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This alternative method of installation is not supported by POSitive because the margin for error is increased by a large factor when it comes to updating and managing your POSitive software. If you choose to use this method, you will do so at your own risk with the full knowledge that it is not covered under any Software Maintenance Subscription level we offer. We are only presenting this method as a last resort, in an effort to help resolve specific issues in an extreme situation, and to individuals that we deem qualified to be referred to as an 'expert'. Please contact POSitive Support to see if you qualify.

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Updated 9/22/2020