Caching in OASIS

Caching (pronounced “cashing”) is the process of storing replications of data that can be called for later use. OASIS provides the option for users to cache data on their local hard drive which can help users working wirelessly or via VPN retrieve data more quickly. This article will cover:

• How Caching Works
• What Data is Cached
• Potential Issues with Caching
• How to Enable Caching
  • As an OASIS admin
  • As a non-admin user

How Caching Works

Every time a user performs a search or opens an entry in OASIS, they are generating a query. This query is sent to the database over the network to retrieve the data and then it is sent back up to OASIS as a result. Most users who work in an office on the same network as the server hosting the OASIS database have no issues retrieving data this way. However, when a user works remotely on a VPN, wireless, or other connection, data may be returned more slowly because they are making calls to the database over the internet.

Caching can alleviate some of this slowness for remote users by storing replications of data after its been queried on their local hard drive, allowing the OASIS client to retrieve data from a file on their machine rather than the database. Cached data will be stored in the ConnectionCache folder inside the .oasis folder. The ConnectionCache folder will not be created until caching is enabled.

Locating the ConnectionCache Folder on Windows

For Windows users, use the following file path to locate this folder: 

This PC\C:\Users\UserName\.oasis\ConnectionCache 

Locating the ConnectionCache Folder on Mac

For Mac users, follow the steps below to locate this folder. 

1. Open Finder by double-click the icon. 

2. Click the Go menu at the top of the screen, then click Home. 

3. Click the Go menu at the top of the screen, then click Go to folder…

4. A search bar will appear. Type .oasis and click Go.

What Data is Cached

Information that tends to be more static, or unlikely to change from day-to-day, will be cached. Examples include:  

• Manufacturers
• Customers 
• Contacts 
• Workgroups

Transactions will not be cached due to how frequently they need to be changed and updated. It's important that transactional data is called from the database to ensure the user sees the most recent version. Examples of transactions include:  

• Quotes
• Orders 
• Invoices
• Payments

Caching Implications

Due to the nature of caching, users may experience some issues when editing entries that have been cached. Because OASIS will retrieve the cached information from the ConnectionCache folder rather than making a new call to the database, it will appear as though changes to the entry are not saving.

However, the data is being committed to the database and will appear as soon as the user refreshes the ConnectionCache folder to allow OASIS to make a new call to the database.

Refreshing the ConnectionCache Folder

To refresh caching, users will simply delete the ConnectionCache folder from the .oasis folder. It is recommended that users refresh this folder after each monthly OASIS update to ensure that updates apply correctly. However, it can be refreshed at any time. 

OASIS may return the results slowly after the ConnectionCache folder is deleted because OASIS will need to call the database first in order to store the retrieved data locally. Once the information is cached, users should see an improvement in speed.  

How to Enable Caching as an OASIS Admin

1. Navigate to the Configuration page. 

2. Select Software from the drop-down list.

3. Under the Workstation Configuration section, click Preferences.

4. The Workstation Settings window will appear. 

5. Click the Database tab.

6. Check the Cache database calls box. 

7. Click Ok. Restart OASIS to allow this change to take effect.

Enabling Caching as a Non-Admin User

The setting that controls caching is stored in the user's preference file on the local hard drive. Users can modify the preference file directly to enable caching.

Locating the Preferences File on Windows

For Windows users, use the following file path to locate the preferences file: 

This PC\C:\Users\UserName\.oasis\preferences

Once located, open the preference file in a text editor.

Locating the Preferences File on Mac

For Mac users, follow the steps below to locate the preferences file:

1. Open Finder by double-click the icon. 

2. Click the Go menu at the top of the screen, then click Home. 

3. Click the Go menu at the top of the screen, then click Go to folder…

4. A search bar will appear. Type .oasis and click Go.

5. Open the preference file in a text editor.

Modifying the Preferences File

1. To enable caching, locate the line that reads:

UseDBCache=""

2. Between the quotation marks, type Y. The line will now read:

UseDBCache="Y"

3. Save the preferences file to the .oasis folder.

4. Restart OASIS.