Why Your Systems Should Start Fresh Every Day
From lighting consoles and AV racks to POS terminals and security screens, venue tech takes a beating — and most of it is left running nonstop.
But just like a busy staff member, your systems work better after a reset.
Creating a daily system reset routine doesn’t just prevent crashes or lag — it helps your staff start with a clean slate, spots issues early, and reduces the chance of failure during peak service.
Here’s how (and why) to implement daily resets across your venue.
1. What Systems Should Be Reset?
You don’t need to reset every single thing — just the systems that impact service or control.
Top systems to reset daily:
POS terminals
iPads or tablets for ordering or control
Lighting control software (MA3, Onyx, etc.)
AV switchers or DSPs (if they lag or freeze)
DJ gear and show playback computers
CCTV viewing stations or NVRs
Digital signage controllers
Venue network routers or switches (weekly or scheduled)
2. Benefits of Daily Resets
It’s not just superstition — tech resets have real advantages:
Flushes out glitches or software bugs
Restores memory and improves speed
Reconnects networked devices that drop off
Ensures updates or schedules are applied
Clears stuck media files, audio loops, or macros
Gives staff a stable start, especially with POS or lighting
A system that’s been on for 3 weeks without a break is just waiting to crash — usually right in the middle of a packed night.
3. How to Build Resets Into Your Workflow
The best time to reset is either at close or first thing during open — but not in the middle of service.
Closing checklist examples:
“Restart all POS terminals before shutdown”
“Close and reopen lighting software”
“Turn off AV rack mains (unless 24/7 gear is in use)”
“Power-cycle DJ booth devices”
“Shut down wall-mounted tablets or signage players”
Opening checklist examples:
“Confirm all iPads fully restarted and charging”
“Test presets from fresh boot”
“Reconnect any audio or control systems that lost IP”
“Spot-check cameras or signage to confirm reset success”
Make this part of your printed or digital shift checklists — not just a “someone should remember” task.
4. Exceptions: What Not to Reset
Some devices are designed to run continuously:
Network video recorders (CCTV)
Live stream encoders or relay devices
Certain control processors with active automation
Venue servers or rack-mounted always-on gear
Emergency alert or lighting override systems
If in doubt — check with your system integrator before you unplug or reboot anything critical.
5. Track Problem Devices
If you’re resetting something every shift just to get it to work, that’s a sign it needs attention.
Create a quick log:
What device needed restarting
When it happened
Any error or lag noticed
Who spotted the issue
Even a basic Google Form or team chat log helps you spot patterns and act before full failure.
6. Consider Timed Power Devices
For basic racks or tablet chargers, a smart power strip or scheduled timer can do the reset for you.
Smart automation ideas:
Cut power to rack gear at 4AM and restore at 10AM
Reset signage or lighting devices on a timed switch
Use relay modules with daily reset triggers
Ask your tech provider about this — it’s an easy upgrade that avoids manual tasks.
The Bottom Line
A system reset is like a shift change for your gear — a chance to shake off the lag and come back clean.
Make it a habit, train your team to follow it, and watch how much smoother your venue tech performs when it’s not running on yesterday’s leftovers.
If you want help building daily reset routines, setting up automation, or training your team to spot early signs of tech fatigue — we’re just a call away.