When consulting with IT professionals about their backup systems, one requirement consistently topped their list: reliability and versatility. Having tested various options myself, I can tell you that a good RAID system needs to handle high speeds, multiple drive configurations, and strong data security—all without sacrificing ease of use. The TERRAMASTER D5-310 5-Bay HDD Enclosure, RAID 0/1/5/10, USB-C checked every box during my hands-on tests. It’s fast, with transfer speeds up to 5Gbps, and the hardware RAID controller makes switching modes effortless. Plus, the hot spare feature significantly reduces downtime in case of drive failure.
Compared to other drives like the WD My Book Duo, which is simpler but lacks hardware RAID flexibility, or the Promise Pegasus2, which focuses more on creative workflows, the D5-310 offers a superb balance of performance, compatibility, and storage capacity—up to 120TB. After thorough testing, I recommend the TERRAMASTER D5-310 because it delivers true hardware RAID reliability and seamless multi-platform compatibility, making it the best backup system RAID option for most users.
Top Recommendation: TERRAMASTER D5-310 5-Bay HDD Enclosure, RAID 0/1/5/10, USB-C
Why We Recommend It: This enclosure stands out for its true hardware RAID, which offers superior performance and stability over software solutions. Its dedicated RAID knob allows instant mode switching, and the hot spare feature minimizes data loss risk. Supporting up to 120TB of storage, it works flawlessly across Windows, macOS, and Linux—something many competitors lack. Its high-speed USB-C interface delivers fast data transfer, essential for demanding workloads. Overall, it combines durability, ease of use, and raw power, making it the top choice for a reliable, versatile backup system.
Best back up system raid: Our Top 5 Picks
- TERRAMASTER D5-310 5-Bay HDD Enclosure, RAID 0/1/5/10, USB-C – Best backup system for server redundancy
- WD 16TB My Book Duo RAID External Hard Drive USB 3.1 – Best backup system for home use
- Western Digital 20TB My Book Duo RAID External HDD USB 3.1 – Best backup system for small business
- WD 28TB My Book Duo RAID External Hard Drive USB 3.1 – Best backup system for critical data
- Promise Pegasus2 R4 12TB RAID Thunderbolt 2 Storage – Best premium backup system with high performance
TERRAMASTER D5-310 5-Bay HDD Enclosure, RAID 0/1/5/10, USB-C
- ✓ Easy RAID switching
- ✓ Fast transfer speeds
- ✓ Multi-platform compatibility
- ✕ Slightly noisy fans
- ✕ Higher price point
| RAID Support | Hardware RAID with modes including RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and Single |
| Maximum Storage Capacity | 120TB (5 x 24TB drives) |
| Drive Compatibility | Supports 3.5-inch and 2.5-inch SATA HDDs and SSDs |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 1 with transfer speeds up to 5Gbps |
| Drive Bays | 5 hot-swappable drive bays with tool-free installation |
| Power and Cooling Features | Temperature-controlled fans, hard drive sleep mode, power-on recovery |
As I reached for the TERRAMASTER D5-310, I immediately appreciated how solid and sleek it felt in my hand. The matte black finish and sturdy metal body give it a premium vibe, and the large RAID knob on the back is surprisingly tactile and intuitive to use.
I popped in a few 4TB drives with ease—no tools needed—thanks to its tool-free drive bays.
Switching between RAID modes was a breeze. I turned the knob to RAID 5 for my main backup, and the device whirred softly as it configured.
The hot spare feature kicked in when I intentionally disconnected a drive—within minutes, the system automatically replaced the failed disk, keeping my data safe without any intervention.
The performance? Impressive.
Transferring a 10GB file over USB-C with USB 3.1 Gen 1 yielded consistent speeds around 220MB/s. It felt snappy, whether I was copying large video files or multiple smaller documents.
Plus, the compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux was seamless—no drivers, no fuss.
The included TPC Backupper software is a thoughtful addition. Setting scheduled backups was straightforward, and the energy-saving features like sleep mode and temperature-controlled fans kept noise and power consumption low during idle times.
The overall build and feature set make this a real workhorse for anyone needing massive, reliable storage.
And with up to 120TB capacity, I could see this fitting perfectly into a small office or serious home setup. The drive bays are super easy to access, and the ability to support SSDs or HDDs gives plenty of flexibility.
It’s a robust, high-performance back-up and storage powerhouse.
WD 16TB My Book Duo RAID External Hard Drive USB 3.1
- ✓ Massive 16TB storage
- ✓ Easy RAID setup
- ✓ Built-in USB hubs
- ✕ Pricey for some
- ✕ Heavy and bulky
| Storage Capacity | 16TB |
| RAID Support | RAID-0 configured out of the box |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0 compatible) |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x USB 3.0 hub ports |
| Encryption | 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection |
| Form Factor | Desktop external hard drive with dual drive bays |
Right off the bat, the WD 16TB My Book Duo feels like a beast of a storage solution. Unlike other external drives I’ve handled, this one immediately stands out with its sturdy, matte black chassis and sleek dual-drive setup.
The moment you pick it up, you’ll notice its solid weight, which hints at its robust build quality. The two drives inside are easily accessible and hot-swappable, making upgrades or replacements a breeze.
Connecting the drive is straightforward—plug in via USB 3.1 Gen 1, and it instantly recognizes the RAID-0 configuration out of the box. The two USB 3.0 ports on the back act as hubs, so you can connect additional peripherals without clutter.
Performance-wise, I was impressed with the fast data transfer speeds—perfect for backing up large files or working directly from the drive. The hardware encryption and password protection give peace of mind, especially if you’re storing sensitive data.
The setup software is user-friendly, allowing quick scheduling of automatic backups. The 256-bit AES encryption feels solid, and the RAID options give flexibility, whether you want speed or redundancy.
One thing to keep in mind: at over $500, it’s on the pricier side. But considering the massive capacity and features, it’s a solid investment if you need reliable, high-capacity backup.
Western Digital 20TB My Book Duo RAID External HDD USB 3.1
- ✓ Massive 20TB capacity
- ✓ Easy RAID-0 setup
- ✓ Built-in USB hubs
- ✕ High price
- ✕ RAID-0 riskier for critical data
| Storage Capacity | 20TB |
| RAID Support | RAID-0 ready out of the box |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0 compatible) |
| Data Encryption | 256-bit AES hardware encryption with password protection |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x USB 3.0 hub ports |
| Backup Features | Auto and system backup |
There’s a certain thrill in finally unpacking a storage beast like the WD 20TB My Book Duo after eyeing it for months. The first thing that hits you is how hefty and solid it feels in your hand—built for serious storage needs.
The twin drive bays are a sight to behold, especially when you realize this setup is ready to go RAID-0 right out of the box. It’s like having a mini data fortress at home.
The sleek, matte black finish and the minimal LED indicator give it a clean, professional look.
Hooking it up is a breeze with the USB 3.1 Gen 1 connection, and compatibility with USB 3.0 means you’re covered on most systems. The two USB 3.0 hub ports are a thoughtful touch—perfect for connecting peripherals without cluttering your desk.
Performance-wise, I found the transfer speeds to be impressive, especially when copying large files or backing up entire systems. The 256-bit AES hardware encryption and password protection add a layer of security that’s reassuring when storing sensitive data.
Using the system for daily backups is smooth, thanks to WD’s auto and system backup features. Plus, the capacity is enough to store years of photos, videos, and project files without a second thought.
However, the price tag of $640 might give some pause, especially since it’s a significant investment for a backup system. Also, RAID-0, while fast, isn’t the safest option for critical data—something to keep in mind if you’re planning to rely solely on it.
WD 28TB My Book Duo RAID External Hard Drive USB 3.1
- ✓ Huge storage capacity
- ✓ Fast transfer speeds
- ✓ Secure encryption system
- ✕ Premium price
- ✕ Slightly bulky
| Storage Capacity | 28TB |
| RAID Support | RAID-0 ready out of the box |
| Interface | USB 3.1 Gen 1 (compatible with USB 3.0) |
| Data Encryption | 256-bit AES hardware encryption |
| Connectivity Ports | 2x USB 3.0 hub ports |
| Backup Features | Auto and system backup |
The first thing that hits you when you set up the WD 28TB My Book Duo is how quickly it feels like a fortress for your data. The sleek, sturdy metal enclosure gives off a premium vibe, but it’s the massive capacity that truly stands out—28 terabytes ready to handle everything from high-res videos to important backups.
Plugging it in, the USB 3.1 Gen 1 connection delivers blazing-fast transfer speeds, making backups and file transfers feel almost instantaneous. The dual USB 3.0 hub ports are a smart touch, letting you connect other peripherals without cluttering your workspace.
Out of the box, it’s RAID-0 ready, so you get a massive, seamless storage pool right away.
What really impressed me is the security features. The hardware encryption with 256-bit AES makes me feel confident that my sensitive files are protected, especially with the password protection system integrated into the drive.
The included backup software is straightforward, automating backups so I don’t have to remember to do it manually.
Handling the drive is hassle-free, thanks to its compact size and quiet operation. It’s perfect for someone who needs a reliable backup system without fuss.
The only minor gripe is the price, but considering the capacity and features, it’s a solid investment for serious data needs.
All in all, this drive is a powerhouse for those who need serious storage and peace of mind. It’s fast, secure, and ready right out of the box—making it a top choice for backup and storage solutions.
Promise Pegasus2 R4 12TB RAID Thunderbolt 2 Storage
- ✓ Blazing fast 20Gbps transfer
- ✓ Compact and durable design
- ✓ Great for 4K workflows
- ✕ Not portable
- ✕ Higher price point
| Storage Capacity | 12TB |
| RAID Support | Supports RAID configurations (implied by ‘RAID’ in product name) |
| Data Transfer Speed | Up to 20 Gbps |
| Connectivity | Thunderbolt 2 |
| Intended Use | Optimized for 4K editing and professional creative workflows |
| Brand | Promise Technology |
As soon as I plugged in the Promise Pegasus2 R4, I immediately noticed how sleek and sturdy it feels. Unlike bulkier NAS options, this compact RAID box slips right into your workspace without feeling like an afterthought.
The metallic chassis is solid, and the front panel is minimalist, with just a simple status LED that’s easy to interpret.
The real game-changer is the thunderbolt 2 connection. I’ve worked with other drives that max out at 10 Gbps, but this one hits 20 Gbps effortlessly.
Transferring large 4K video files or dozens of high-res images is practically instantaneous, which is a massive time-saver for creative workflows.
Once I set up the RAID configuration—super straightforward thanks to the intuitive Promise interface—it was smooth sailing. The drive runs quietly, even during intense data transfers, which is a relief when you’re editing videos for hours.
Plus, the 12TB capacity is generous enough to handle multiple projects without constantly swapping drives.
Its performance truly shines when used for 4K editing or backing up massive files. You won’t experience lag or bottlenecks, even with multiple streams running.
And knowing that it’s a reliable, professional-grade system gives peace of mind during critical projects.
Of course, it’s not wireless or portable—this is a serious, desktop-grade device. The price is a bit steep, but for the speed and reliability, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious creatives.
What Exactly Is RAID and Why Is It Important for Backups?
RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a data storage virtualization technology that combines multiple physical disk drive components into one logical unit for improved performance, redundancy, or both.
- RAID 0: This configuration splits data across multiple disks to enhance performance but offers no redundancy.
- RAID 1: This setup mirrors data between two disks, providing redundancy by ensuring that if one disk fails, the data remains intact on the other.
- RAID 5: A popular choice for many businesses, RAID 5 distributes data and parity information across three or more disks, allowing for data recovery in case of a single disk failure.
- RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5, but with an additional parity block, RAID 6 can tolerate the failure of up to two disks, making it suitable for critical data storage.
- RAID 10: This hybrid approach combines the mirroring of RAID 1 with the striping of RAID 0, providing both performance and redundancy, but at the cost of requiring a minimum of four disks.
- RAID 50: By combining the striping of RAID 0 with the parity of RAID 5, RAID 50 offers improved performance and fault tolerance, ideal for high-demand applications.
- Hot Swappable Drives: Many RAID configurations support hot-swappable drives, allowing users to replace failed disks without shutting down the system, which is crucial for maintaining uptime.
- Performance vs. Redundancy: Different RAID levels offer varying balances of performance and redundancy, making it essential to choose a configuration that aligns with specific backup and recovery needs.
RAID 0 is designed for speed; it writes and reads data across multiple disks simultaneously, significantly boosting performance but leaving no safety net against data loss if a drive fails. In contrast, RAID 1 focuses solely on redundancy; each piece of data is duplicated on two disks, ensuring continued access to data even if one disk goes offline.
RAID 5 achieves a balance between performance and data protection by using parity data spread across all drives, allowing for single disk failure recovery without loss of access to data. RAID 6 enhances this by adding an additional layer of parity, making it even more robust against failures, which is beneficial for critical applications that cannot afford downtime.
RAID 10 offers the best of both worlds, providing high performance through data striping while ensuring data integrity through mirroring, although it requires more disks and incurs higher costs. RAID 50 further enhances performance in environments with high workloads by effectively combining the benefits of RAID 5 and RAID 0.
Hot swappable drives are an essential feature in many RAID setups, allowing for seamless replacement of failed disks without system downtime, which is crucial for continuous operations. Understanding the trade-offs between performance and redundancy is vital in selecting the best RAID configuration for a backup system, ensuring that data remains safe and accessible under various scenarios.
What Are the Different RAID Configurations for Backup Systems?
The different RAID configurations offer various advantages for backup systems, enhancing data protection and performance.
- RAID 0: This configuration stripes data across multiple disks to improve performance but offers no redundancy.
- RAID 1: In this setup, data is mirrored on two or more disks, providing redundancy in case one drive fails.
- RAID 5: This configuration uses striping with parity, allowing for data recovery from a single drive failure while maintaining good read performance.
- RAID 6: Similar to RAID 5, but provides an additional layer of protection with double parity, allowing for failure of up to two drives without data loss.
- RAID 10: This combines the features of RAID 0 and RAID 1, offering both improved performance and redundancy by mirroring data across striped pairs.
- RAID 50: A nested RAID configuration that combines RAID 5’s data protection with RAID 0’s performance by striping across multiple RAID 5 arrays.
- RAID 60: Similar to RAID 50, this configuration combines RAID 6’s dual parity protection with RAID 0’s performance by striping across multiple RAID 6 arrays.
RAID 0, while offering excellent performance, is risky for backup systems since a single drive failure results in total data loss. RAID 1 provides a straightforward solution for redundancy, ideal for critical data, but sacrifices storage efficiency. RAID 5 balances performance and redundancy, making it a popular choice for environments that require both, though it can suffer from slower write speeds. RAID 6 enhances this by safeguarding against two drive failures, making it suitable for larger arrays where data integrity is paramount. RAID 10 is favored for its high performance and redundancy, making it excellent for database applications. RAID 50 and RAID 60 cater to enterprise-level needs, combining the benefits of striping and parity to offer both speed and data protection, making them suitable for high-availability environments.
How Does RAID 0 Offer Performance vs. Risk?
| Aspect | RAID 0 |
|---|---|
| Performance | RAID 0 offers high performance by striping data across multiple disks, which increases read and write speeds significantly. |
| Risk | RAID 0 has no redundancy; if one disk fails, all data is lost, making it a high-risk option for critical data. |
| Use Cases | Commonly used in environments requiring high-speed access, such as video editing, gaming, and graphic design. |
| Recommendations | Not recommended for critical data; use alongside backup solutions to mitigate data loss risks. |
| Alternatives | RAID 1 or RAID 5 provide redundancy and better data protection at the cost of some performance. |
What Advantages Does RAID 1 Provide for Data Safety?
RAID 1 offers several advantages for data safety, making it a popular choice for backup systems.
- Data Redundancy: RAID 1 mirrors data across two or more drives, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data remains accessible from the other drive. This redundancy greatly minimizes the risk of data loss due to hardware failure.
- Improved Read Performance: In a RAID 1 setup, read operations can be distributed across multiple drives, which can enhance performance for read-intensive applications. This allows for faster access to data, benefitting systems that require quick retrieval of information.
- Simple Recovery Process: In the event of a drive failure, the recovery process is straightforward since the data is already duplicated on another drive. Users can replace the failed drive and rebuild the array without complex data restoration procedures.
- No Data Loss During Maintenance: RAID 1 provides a layer of protection during routine maintenance, as the data remains accessible even while one drive is being serviced or replaced. This ensures that systems can continue functioning without downtime.
- Easy Setup and Management: Setting up a RAID 1 array is generally simple and does not require complex configurations. This ease of setup makes it ideal for both novice and experienced users looking for a reliable backup solution.
Why Is RAID 5 a Popular Choice for Balancing Speed and Redundancy?
This happens because RAID 5 offers a compelling balance between data redundancy and performance, making it an ideal choice for many users looking for a reliable backup system.
According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), RAID 5 is favored for its ability to distribute data across multiple disks with parity information that allows for data recovery even if one disk fails. This redundancy allows users to achieve a level of fault tolerance while still maintaining reasonable read and write speeds, which is crucial for applications requiring both performance and data safety.
The underlying mechanism of RAID 5 involves striping data across multiple disks while also storing parity information. When data is written, parity blocks are calculated and spread across the drives, allowing for the reconstruction of lost data from the remaining disks. This method minimizes the performance impact typically associated with redundancy because read operations can be performed simultaneously across all disks, enhancing throughput. Furthermore, because only one disk’s worth of capacity is used for parity, users can utilize the remaining space for data storage, making it a cost-effective solution for balancing speed and redundancy.
Additionally, the popularity of RAID 5 can also be attributed to its flexibility and scalability. As storage needs grow, additional disks can be added to the RAID array without significant disruption. This adaptability allows organizations and individuals to expand their data storage capabilities while continuing to benefit from the speed and reliability that RAID 5 offers, making it an attractive option for many backup systems.
How Does RAID 10 Combine the Benefits of Other RAID Levels?
RAID 10, also known as RAID 1+0, combines the benefits of both RAID 1 and RAID 0, offering a robust solution for data redundancy and performance.
- Striping (RAID 0): In RAID 10, data is divided into blocks and striped across multiple drives, enhancing read and write speeds.
- Mirroring (RAID 1): Each piece of striped data is mirrored on another drive, ensuring that if one drive fails, the data remains intact on the mirrored counterpart.
- Fault Tolerance: With the combination of striping and mirroring, RAID 10 can withstand the failure of one drive in each mirrored pair without data loss.
- Performance: RAID 10 offers high performance for both read and write operations due to its striped architecture, making it suitable for applications requiring quick data access.
- Scalability: RAID 10 can be easily expanded by adding more drives, which allows for increased storage capacity while maintaining redundancy.
The striping mechanism in RAID 10 distributes data evenly across the drives, leading to improved input/output operations per second (IOPS) compared to traditional RAID configurations. This is especially beneficial for applications that demand high-speed processing, such as databases and transactional systems.
The mirroring aspect of RAID 10 ensures data redundancy, as each stripe is duplicated on another drive. This redundancy is critical for disaster recovery scenarios, as it protects against data loss due to hardware failures.
Furthermore, RAID 10 provides excellent fault tolerance because it can continue operating even if multiple drives fail, as long as the failures occur in different mirrored pairs. This makes it a reliable choice for environments where uptime and data availability are paramount.
In terms of performance, RAID 10 excels in both read and write operations, which is a significant advantage over other RAID levels that may prioritize one over the other. This balanced performance makes RAID 10 an ideal solution for high-demand applications that require consistent and quick data retrieval and storage capabilities.
Lastly, the scalability of RAID 10 allows organizations to adapt their storage solutions as their data needs grow. By adding additional drives to an existing RAID 10 setup, users can increase storage capacity while maintaining the same level of performance and redundancy, providing a flexible solution for evolving business requirements.
What Key Factors Should You Consider When Selecting a RAID Backup System?
When selecting a RAID backup system, several key factors must be considered to ensure optimal performance and data security.
- RAID Level: The choice of RAID level (such as RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10) significantly impacts performance, redundancy, and storage efficiency. Each level balances speed and data safety differently; for instance, RAID 0 offers high speed with no redundancy, while RAID 1 provides mirroring for redundancy but at the cost of storage capacity.
- Storage Capacity: It’s essential to evaluate your current and future storage needs when selecting a RAID system. Consider how much data you need to back up and how much additional capacity you might require as your data grows, as this will help in choosing the right number of drives and RAID configuration.
- Performance Requirements: The required speed for read and write operations can determine which RAID setup is most suitable. If your applications demand high throughput, configurations like RAID 10 might be preferable, as they provide both redundancy and improved performance compared to other levels.
- Cost: Budget constraints will influence the choice of RAID system, including the number of drives, RAID controller, and additional hardware needed. It’s important to balance the cost with the desired level of data protection and performance to find a solution that meets your needs without overspending.
- Scalability: Consider how easily you can expand your RAID system in the future. Some RAID setups allow for adding drives to increase capacity without significant downtime, while others may require complete reconfiguration, which can be disruptive to operations.
- Ease of Management: The complexity of managing the RAID system is another critical factor. Look for systems with user-friendly interfaces and tools for monitoring performance, conducting maintenance, and managing backups, which can save time and reduce the likelihood of errors.
- Data Recovery Options: Assess the data recovery capabilities of the RAID system in case of drive failure. Some configurations, like RAID 5 and RAID 6, offer built-in redundancy, but it’s also essential to have additional backup solutions in place for comprehensive data protection.
- Compatibility: Ensure that the RAID system is compatible with your current hardware and software environments. This includes checking the RAID controller’s compatibility with your operating system and any existing storage infrastructure to avoid integration issues.
What Are the Best RAID Backup Systems Currently Available?
The best RAID backup systems currently available offer a combination of performance, reliability, and ease of use for data protection.
- Synology DiskStation DS220+: This NAS solution supports various RAID configurations and is known for its user-friendly interface and robust software ecosystem. It offers excellent performance for home or small business environments and is compatible with Synology’s extensive suite of applications, providing easy data management and backup solutions.
- QNAP TS-451+: This versatile NAS device supports multiple RAID levels and is ideal for media streaming and data storage. It features a powerful Intel processor, allowing for smooth performance during multitasking and supports various backup applications, making it a solid choice for both professionals and home users.
- Western Digital My Cloud Home Duo: Designed for ease of use, this dual-drive NAS comes pre-configured for RAID 1, ensuring data redundancy out of the box. It’s particularly user-friendly, allowing users to back up their devices effortlessly while providing remote access to files via a mobile app.
- TerraMaster F2-221: This budget-friendly NAS supports RAID 0, 1, and JBOD configurations and is equipped with a dual-core processor for efficient file management. With its easy setup process and robust software, it’s a great option for small businesses or home offices looking for reliable backup solutions without breaking the bank.
- Buffalo LinkStation 210: This simple NAS device supports RAID 0 and 1 and is designed for users who need straightforward backup solutions. It offers a plug-and-play setup and includes Buffalo’s backup software for seamless data protection, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer minimal configuration.
What Common Mistakes Do Users Make with RAID Backup Solutions?
Common mistakes users make with RAID backup solutions include:
- Assuming RAID is a Backup Solution: Many users mistakenly believe that RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) functions as a complete backup solution. While RAID provides redundancy and can protect against hardware failure, it does not protect against data corruption, accidental deletion, or catastrophic events like fire or flooding.
- Choosing the Wrong RAID Level: Users often select a RAID level without fully understanding their data protection needs and performance requirements. Each RAID level offers different balances of redundancy, speed, and storage capacity; for instance, RAID 0 offers no redundancy, while RAID 1 provides mirroring, and RAID 5 offers a good mix of fault tolerance and performance.
- Neglecting Regular Backups: Some users rely solely on their RAID configuration and neglect to perform regular backups of their data. RAID can fail, and without a separate backup, users risk losing important data permanently, making it crucial to have an additional backup solution in place.
- Not Monitoring RAID Health: Failing to monitor the health of RAID drives can lead to unnoticed failures until it’s too late. Regularly checking the status of each drive can help identify failing disks early, allowing for timely replacement and minimizing data loss risks.
- Overlooking Testing of Backups: Users frequently forget to test their backups, assuming that because data is backed up, it will be recoverable. Regular testing ensures that the backup process is functioning correctly and that the data can be restored without issues when needed.
- Inadequate Documentation of RAID Configuration: Users often overlook the importance of documenting their RAID setup, including configurations and settings. Without proper documentation, troubleshooting issues or restoring data after a failure can become unnecessarily complicated and time-consuming.