Data Providers allow PADS4 presentations to display real-time data from various sources, ensuring that content remains dynamic and automatically updated. These providers enable elements to pull data from databases, XML feeds, spreadsheets, text files, and other external sources without manual intervention.

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Defining Data Providers

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Key Features

  • Connects presentations to real-time data sources
  • Multiple data providers can be linked to a single presentation
  • Data scrolling allows automatic cycling through multiple rows of data
  • Property bindings enable dynamic control of element properties
  • Rules trigger content changes based on real-time conditions

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Supported Data Sources

A Data Provider can retrieve information from:

  • SQL Databases – queries, views, stored procedures
  • XML Files – structured data feeds
  • Microsoft Excel Spreadsheets
  • Text Files – CSV, JSON, and other structured formats
  • Web Services & APIs – custom integrations

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Using Data Vault Providers

Data Vault Providers are managed through PADS4 System Management and provide additional security and efficiency:

  • Encrypted Data – ensures secure transmission
  • Continuous Availability – stores and updates data automatically
  • Optimized Bandwidth Usage – reduces duplicate data requests
  • Simplified Credential Management – server-side storage eliminates local handling of passwords
  • Controlled Access
    • PADS4 Designers can access data but cannot modify credentials
    • Sorting, filtering, and expressions remain configurable

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Managing Data Providers

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Adding a Data Provider

  • Create a new Data Provider in a presentation
  • Select the source type and configure connection settings
  • Define update intervals for automatic synchronization

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Editing a Data Provider

  • Modify existing data sources, including queries, sorting, and filtering options

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Removing a Data Provider

  • Delete unused data providers from the presentation

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Duplicating a Data Provider

  • Copy an existing provider for reuse with modified settings

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Importing a Data Provider

  • Transfer providers between different presentations

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Previewing a Data Provider

  • Test the provider to ensure data integrity and formatting before using it

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Reusing Stored Data Providers

  • Save frequently used data providers for future use across multiple presentations

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Integrating Data Providers into Presentations

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Binding Data to Elements

  • Connect text, images, tables, and scrolling elements to specific data fields
  • Assign columns and rows dynamically to update content automatically

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Using Data Scrolling

  • Configure elements to cycle through multiple rows of data
  • Define the scroll interval and set how many rows are displayed

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Applying Property Bindings

  • Automatically adjust properties based on incoming data (e.g., color, size, transparency)

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Setting Rules for Dynamic Content

  • Define conditions that change visibility, formatting, or layout based on data
  • Example: If a stock price drops below a threshold, display a red warning message

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Advantages of Using Data Providers

  • Real-time content updates without manual intervention
  • Scalability – easily integrates with multiple data sources
  • Custom display options using scrolling, filtering, and formatting
  • Secure and efficient performance with Data Vault Providers