One of the great advantages of using a hierarchical database is the support for the clipboard. When you copy and paste one record, you're also copying and pasting everything that is contained within that record – all sub-records, and all file data within that.

This is especially useful for creating 'What-If' scenarios, which can be invaluable to making business decisions.

By taking a copy of a record, the system automatically gives the record a new name (usually putting a (1) at the end). You can then rename that record, for example, to include 'Scenario 1' at the end.

Once the record is copied, it is then disconnected from the other record. You are then free to modify that record any way you wish. All of the same reports and actions are available, for you to evaluate the impact of making those changes.

To completely isolate this record from the main system, a secondary server can be set up that mirrors all of the data on the primary server. This ensures the copied record is completely up to date, but guarantees that it won't affect any of the normal daily operations.

For information on setting up a secondary scenario server, see Synchronizing Servers.