Web based software systems can operate very fast if you limit the amount of data you query.  Most CSI Forms do not forewarn you to enter a data filter first. And the default system setting can be to get 200 rows of data or more. This means, if you run the ITEMS form, for example, and simply press the Filter rows icon

 

You are asking for the first 200 (random) data rows to be shown to you. And, this my not even be the data you want to work with.  Performance is even worse if you've elected to "Retrieve All" rows. You shall wait while all the data rows are gathered for you.  This appears to be a slow system but it is also how you phased the question to the system - "Give me everything, then I'll pick from there." 


Let's put this give me all rows data query in perspective. Think of going to a store, say XYZ-Mart.  And you want to get some eggs, milk and bread. When you get to XYZ-mart, would you put everything that is offered in the store in your cart first? Then, put back all the items except the eggs, milk and bread you wanted? Okay, this might be possible, but it will take a whole lot longer than if you simply focused on the 3 items or at least item groups that you needed!



Rule #1 - Always enter a FILTER criteria before pressing the Filter Rows icon.

Target the results towards what you need instead of randomly selecting from all data.  Only select through all rows when you are unsure of what you a looking for. And - understand the system may appear to operate slower under this condition.  If you run the ITEMS form, for example, enter the first few character of an Item and a wildcard  (such as AF*). Then, the first 200 Items beginning with "AF" are returned to you. Now the data returned to you is more relevant to what you wanted.


Rule #2 - LIST Record Caps should always be set to Use Default - Enter a field filter BEFORE pressing the drop down selection

"Lists" primarily refer to those drop-down fields shown on a screen.  If the form has as a prompt for Customer, for example, then the Customers are listed when you press the drop down.  Convenient, but this is a lot of data on a large data entry form.  Enter a value or a wild-carded value before selecting the drop down, then your list shall be limited to what you need to focus on.


Rule #3 - Understand DATA CAPS.  Limit the amount of data in lists.  Use caution when manually setting a data cap or when using the Retrieve All setting.


To adjust data record caps, visit your CSI User Preferences settings:



Here, "Use Default" should be selected under both the Data Record Cap and List Record Cap. This setting enables the system-wide default assigned by the system administrator. This value is usually 200 rows, and is a value that can be adjusted for the best average performance for users and Company data.


 

If the Record Cap is 200 and you use a form to retrieve data, you will see a result in the lower status bar on the CSI form.

This status line indicates how many rows are in your current query result.


If you did not find what you needed, next to the filter icon, there is a "Get more rows.." icon.

Pressing this icon will get the NEXT group of 200 rows for you.  You'll notice that the status line updates.



Use data filtering and limit your record caps to help achieve the best average performance when working with CSI Forms.


The system and database administrator shall maintain the system default settings to the best average performance for all users. Follow the Rules above, and you should find that the system performs efficiently for your use.  If you've applied these Rules and believe certain filtered transactions are not performing well, submit a specific example in a ticket to the IT Help Desk for analysis.