> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 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**.

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## **Steps to Configure General Provider Settings**

1. **Start the Data Provider Wizard**
   * Follow the steps in **Adding a Data Provider** or **Editing a Data Provider**
2. **Enter a Unique Name for the Provider**
   * Assign a **Provider Name** (must be unique within your presentation)
   * Optionally, enter a **Description**
3. **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**
4. **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
5. **Proceed to the Next Step**

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## **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

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## **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.

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## **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.

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## **Final Steps**

* **Click Next** to proceed to **Connection Settings**
* Complete the **Data Provider Wizard**