Quarterly checklist
This page is the owner's check every three months. It holds the tasks that are too big for a month and too important for a year: proving that backups restore, reviewing who has access, and checking that the year's plan is on track. Book half a day for it, with the host or partner for the technical parts.
The checklist
QUARTERLY CHECKLIST - quarter: ________ Owner: ________
RECOVERY (with the host)
[ ] Restore test done on another machine; date ______, time it took ______
[ ] The restored copy opened and showed recent content and orders
[ ] Backup retention still matches the retention schedule
ACCESS
[ ] Every administrator and shop account belongs to a current person
[ ] Roles still match what people do (editors, approvers, store staff)
[ ] Two-step sign-in in place for administrators, as decided
SOFTWARE (with the partner)
[ ] Extensions updated, or the reason they are not
[ ] Unused extensions listed for removal
[ ] PHP version still supported; next upgrade planned
CONTENT
[ ] Content audit of one section: outdated pages updated, hidden or removed
[ ] Accessibility spot check of the main pages and one form
[ ] Menus and landing pages still lead where visitors go
MONEY
[ ] Costs of the quarter against the budget (cost register)
[ ] Figures for the ROI worksheet collected for the quarter
PLAN
[ ] Decisions of the annual value review: on track? Owners reminded
[ ] Campaigns of the next quarter: dates and preparation startedWhere each item is done
| Item | Read |
|---|---|
| Restore test | Restore drills, Restore and restore tests |
| Access review | Access reviews, Roles and policies |
| Two-step sign-in | Two-factor login |
| Extension updates | Budgeting for upgrades and maintenance |
| PHP support | README.md: PHP 8.0 to 8.5 (PHP 7.4 usable without support) supported; your host plans the upgrade |
| Content audit | The content checks, Publishing and versions |
| Accessibility | Testing accessibility |
| Costs and ROI figures | Cost of ownership for owners, Measuring ROI |
| Plan follow-up | Annual value review |
Why the restore test matters most
A backup is only proven by a restore. The businesses section's maintenance calendar puts a restore test in every quarter (Budgeting for upgrades and maintenance). Ask for a short written note each time: the date, which backup, how long it took, and what was checked on the restored copy. Keep the notes; they are the evidence that your recovery works.
Warning
A restore test runs on another machine or a copy, never over the live site. Make sure your host understands that before they start.
Related pages
- Monthly checklist
- Yearly checklist
- Restore drills
- Access reviews
- Free documentation: this page is free to copy, translate and improve under the GNU FDL 1.3.
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