Adding a Data Provider
General provider settings
On the second step of the Data Provider Wizard, you define a unique name for your data provider and configure settings for real-time data retrieval.
Steps to Configure General Provider Settings
- Start the Data Provider Wizard
- Follow the steps in Adding a Data Provider or Editing a Data Provider
- Enter a Unique Name for the Provider
- Assign a Provider Name (must be unique within your presentation)
- Optionally, enter a Description
- Decide Whether to Use PADS4 Data Server
- Enable or Disable the option:
“Make use of the Data Server for retrieval of Data” - If enabled, real-time data is retrieved centrally through the PADS4 Data Server
- If disabled, each PADS4 Viewer retrieves data individually
- Enable or Disable the option:
- Enable Caching (Optional)
- Use Design Cache: Stores data from the source for design-time preview
- Generate Sample Values: Creates placeholder values if the data source is unavailable
- Proceed to the Next Step
Using the PADS4 Data Server
The PADS4 Data Server retrieves and distributes real-time data to all connected Viewers.
Comparison of Data Retrieval Methods
| Feature | Using PADS4 Data Server | Retrieving Data Individually |
|---|---|---|
| Data Retrieval | Single request for all Viewers | Each Viewer retrieves data separately |
| Performance | Optimized (reduces database queries) | More load on the data source |
| Use Case | Large-scale networks, slow data sources | Viewer-specific queries (e.g., filtering by Viewer Name) |
| Failover Support | Switches to a backup PADS4 Server if needed | No built-in redundancy |
When to Enable the PADS4 Data Server
✔ Recommended if:
- Multiple Viewers need the same data at the same time
- Your data source is slow or external (e.g., APIs, remote databases)
- You want to reduce network traffic and database load
✘ Not Recommended if:
- Each Viewer requires different data (e.g., filtered by location)
- The database already optimizes queries for multiple connections
Caching Options in PADS4
Caching can improve performance and allow offline design when live data is unavailable.
| Caching Option | Function |
|---|---|
| Use Design Cache | Saves up to 999 rows of data for offline use |
| Generate Sample Values | Replaces missing data with placeholder text |
| Best for | Designing presentations without live data access |
Example Use Case
A designer needs to create a data-driven layout but doesn’t have database access. Using cached data, they can still design and test the layout.
Failover & Backup Considerations
- If the PADS4 Data Server fails, a Backup PADS4 Server (if configured) takes over.
- If Data Server is disabled, ensure every Viewer can independently access the data source.
Final Steps
- Click Next to proceed to Connection Settings
- Complete the Data Provider Wizard