Vatrix POS and Vatrix ERP run on SQL Server, so a supermarket,
restaurant or trading company can run two, three or more counters
against one database over the shop LAN. You install SQL Server 2014
Express on the main PC, then point each counter’s Database Location
(Settings → DB Manager → SQL Server) to that server and click Test
connection. Stock, customers, invoice numbers and kitchen printers are
then shared by every counter. One licence covers the shop’s counters –
there is no per-counter fee – and extra counter hardware from Bada Souq
comes with free installation anywhere in the UAE.
This is an advanced article. If you prefer, our team does the setup
on remote support, included free for 1 year with every licence.
What you need
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Main PC (server) | The most reliable POS PC in the shop; stays on during trading hours and runs SQL Server 2014 |
| SQL Server 2014 Express | Free edition from Microsoft |
| Counter PCs | Any Windows PC with Vatrix installed; they connect over the shop network |
| Shop LAN | Wired router preferred |
| Static IP or fixed PC name for the main PC | So counters always find the server |
| Vatrix licence | One licence covers the shop’s counters – no per-counter fee |
Step 1:
Install SQL Server Express on the main PC
- Download SQL Server 2014 Express from Microsoft.
- Choose a Basic or Custom install and note the instance name (for
examplePCNAME\SQLEXPRESS). - Enable Mixed Mode authentication and set a strong
sa
password – Vatrix connects with a SQL Server login and password. - Open SQL Server Configuration Manager and enable TCP/IP for the
instance. - Restart the SQL Server service.
Step 2: Point
the main PC’s Vatrix to SQL Server
- Open Vatrix on the main PC.
- Go to Settings → DB Manager → SQL Server.
- Enter the server name, login and password.
- Click Test connection. It should report success.
- Save and restart Vatrix. The database now lives on SQL Server on
this PC.
If Vatrix shows error 4201 after the database moves, follow fix error 4200 / 4201 to
re-activate.
Step 3: Allow the
LAN through Windows Firewall
- On the main PC, open Windows Defender Firewall → Advanced
settings. - Add an inbound rule allowing TCP port 1433 (or the port shown in
Configuration Manager). - Add a rule for the SQL Server Browser service (UDP 1434) if you use
a named instance.
Step 4: Connect each counter
Repeat on every counter PC:
- Install Vatrix from the installer link support gives you.
- Open Settings → DB Manager → SQL Server.
- Enter the main PC’s server name (or IP), login and password.
- Click Test connection and confirm success.
- Save and restart Vatrix. The counter now sees the same items,
customers and invoices as the main PC. - Set this counter’s own printer in Settings → Print Settings, and its
cash drawer, scanner or scale.
Step 5: Share kitchen
printers (Restaurant)
Kitchen printers on the LAN can be shared by all counters. Add each
kitchen printer once in the multi-printer settings and assign menu
categories to it; every counter’s KOT then prints to the correct
kitchen.
Step 6: Set backup on the
main PC only
Set the automatic scheduled backup and Google Drive sync on the main
PC where the SQL Server database lives. Counters do not need their own
backup.
Common problems
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Test connection fails from a counter | Firewall or TCP/IP not enabled | Re-check Step 1 (TCP/IP) and Step 3 (firewall) |
| Counter works, then loses connection | Main PC went to sleep or IP changed | Disable sleep on main PC; fix its IP on the router |
| Counter opens with an empty database | Counter still on Local database | Settings → Data Base location → choose SQL Server, not Local |
| Error 4201 on a counter | Product ID mismatch after DB change | Send Product ID to support for activation code |
| Slow billing on counters | Wi-Fi congestion | Use a wired LAN cable to each counter |
In practice
A supermarket in Sharjah with three billing counters installs SQL
Server Express on counter one, which also holds the scale and label
printer. Counters two and three connect over a wired LAN. All three scan
from the same item master, and the owner’s day closing report combines
every counter’s sales. Shift reports are still printed per counter, so
each cashier’s cash is checked separately.
For branches in different emirates rather than counters in one shop,
see multi-location stock control
and cloud vs desktop POS.
Related videos: Set up SQL Server for Vatrix POS
& ERP, connect multiple devices · Multiple kitchen printer setup ·
Shift management and shift reports · Automatic backup and Google Drive
sync.
More help: Help centre · Move Vatrix to a new
computer.
FAQ
Which SQL Server version should I install? SQL
Server 2014 Express (free). The main PC runs SQL Server 2014; the other
counters connect to it over the shop network.
How many counters can share one database? Several
counters on a shop LAN work well; the practical limit depends on the
main PC and network.
Do I need a licence for every counter? No. One
licence covers the shop’s counters – there is no per-counter fee. Ask
sales on WhatsApp for a multi-counter hardware quote.
Can counters keep billing if the main PC is off?
No. The main PC is the database server and must stay on during trading
hours.
Can Vatrix do this for me? Yes. Remote support is
included for 1 year, and on-site installation is free with hardware
bundles anywhere in the UAE.
Need a multi-counter setup?
WhatsApp +971 50 428 2953 and tell us how many counters you run. Book a free demo – free installation and
training UAE-wide. See additional counter bundles on badasouq.com.