Where is my data stored?
In local mode, encrypted under %LOCALAPPDATA%\INAT Solutions\ on your computer. In remote mode on our secured server, where the desktop application and the HIVE web app access the same data.
How do I create a backup?
Press Ctrl+B or open Settings, then Data & Backup and Data Backup. HIVE also creates a local initial backup automatically on the first login. We still recommend weekly backups afterwards.
For the cloud backup and the full export, HIVE asks for your account password for security reasons, and additionally for the code if two-factor sign-in is enabled. When the desktop application is connected to the server, HIVE no longer creates the cloud backup silently in the background: if a cloud backup is due, a notice for administrators appears at program start, and the backup starts once you have entered your password. It is due as long as no cloud backup exists yet, and afterwards every 7 days when automatic backup is switched on. If you choose "Later" in the notice, it reappears on this device after 7 days at the earliest. While a cloud backup is running, HIVE cannot be closed; you will receive a message as soon as it has finished. Older desktop versions must be updated for the cloud backup.
Where can I find the guided first path again?
The guided tour is offered to all users after setup, regardless of the start profile. It walks you through customers, quotations, invoices, accounting, the search (Ctrl+K) and the data backup. You can restart the tour via the First steps card on the dashboard, via Help & Support or in Settings under Help. In the simple entry, the First steps card additionally shows the next open step (customer, first invoice, first payment, backup) for as long as those are still incomplete.
Why should I create a web account and connect my device?
A web account clearly assigns your HIVE installation to your online account. This keeps license status, subscription, and portal access aligned, makes connected devices visible, and makes device changes or support cases much easier to handle.
The PDF export reports "QR-IBAN is missing"?
Check the QR Invoice Data under Settings, Invoices. Without a valid QR-IBAN, HIVE deliberately creates no PDF, so that no payment slip pointing to a stranger's account can be produced. As soon as IBAN and QR-IBAN are correctly stored, the export runs normally again.
Why can't I edit the footer in the Document Designer?
Because it is always generated from your company data, every document carries the same footer. Change the company name, slogan, address, contact details or bank details under Settings → Company, and the footer changes on all documents with it.
How do I change VAT rates?
Under Settings, Company you will find the VAT configuration with all rates.
How do I import existing customer data?
You can import customer data directly in the Customers area via Import Customers. The wizard accepts CSV, Excel (.xlsx) and vCard/VCF files, blocks files above 10 MB, 10,000 data rows, or more than 5 Excel worksheets, and guides you through preview and field mapping.
Where do I find log files in case of problems?
Under %LOCALAPPDATA%\INAT Solutions\logs\ all activities are logged.
How do I use the online manual and website forms most effectively?
Open https://inatsolutions.ch/docs and use the chapter search to filter topics immediately. On chapter pages, the overview and the previous/next chapter navigation help you move through the manual. For offline access, the overview page provides full PDF downloads in German, English, and French.
The website is fully keyboard accessible: use Tab and Shift+Tab to move between links and form fields, and Enter to trigger links and buttons. Form fields are labeled, required fields are clearly marked, and status messages appear immediately after submission.
What happens if the application crashes unexpectedly?
If an unexpected error occurs, the Crash Report dialog appears automatically. You can choose whether to send anonymised error data to INAT Solutions to help improve the software. The data does not contain any personal or business information. Local crash logs can be found under %LOCALAPPDATA%\INAT Solutions\crash_logs\.
Can I connect an AI assistant such as Claude to HIVE?
Yes. In the HIVE Web App you can connect your own AI assistant, for example Claude, to your account through a connector. The assistant may then work in HIVE within your role, for example create quotations and invoices from the catalog. It can only read settings, email templates, import, user management, automatic payment reminders, the Microsoft connection and the change log; password, 2FA, subscription and deleting the account stay blocked. Never confirm a connection through a link that someone sent you. The steps are under Settings → Connect an AI assistant.