Local Form Cache
For some slow network users, accessing a form from the server can be time-consuming. To get around this issue, forms can be cached to a user's local machine. If this type of caching is used, a copy of the form resides on the user's machine (either permanently or for the duration of a browser session), eliminating some delays.
Local form caching should be used only by slow network users. Create a role (for example, dialup.xml) and assign it only to users who need it. Do not enable local form caching in your default role.
Browser requirements for local form caching
Local form caching is supported only for Internet Explorer. ActiveX controls must be enabled. Configure the security settings for trusted sites (of which the Lawson system domain must be one) to enable all ActiveX settings.
Enabling local form caching for users
If you require a role that enables local form caching, select the "Use local form cache" option for the role. This option appears on the General tab of Role Manager. If a checkmark appears in front of the option, it is enabled.
User options for local caching
Users who have been assigned a role that has local form cache enabled will see an additional tab (Cache) on the User Options menu. From this tab users can manage the cache options listed below and see which forms are currently stored in cache.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Cache level |
Never cache: Local form cache is not used. Always cache: Form cache is used. Forms that were cached remain on the local machine until you or your administrator deletes them. (Always cache is the most typical setting for users on slow networks.) Session cache: Caches forms for the current browser session only. After the session terminates, cached forms are automatically deleted from the user's machine. |
| Cache path | Specify the location where all forms are cached. You can type the path or browse to it. |
| Cache contents |
Delete: Individually deletes cached forms that are stored on your local machine. Click a form you want to delete. It will be highlighted. Follow the prompts to process the delete. Clear All: Deletes all cached forms that are stored on your local machine. To delete all cached forms, click Clear All and then follow the prompts. |
Administering form updates when local caching is used
As an administrator, you might be required to distribute a new version of a form, for example, when one is delivered as an update from Lawson. You must ensure that users who use local caching replace the version of the form stored on their machines with the latest version.
Do this by updating the user's role to disable local caching (de-select "Use local form cache" on the General tab of Role Manager). When users log into a new session, they do not have a Cache tab available through User Options, previously cached forms are deleted from their machines, and local form caching is not in effect. Lawson Portal automatically retrieves forms from the server.
When all users have accessed the new form, you can re-enable local form caching for the role.
There is no way for an administrator to know if a user has retrieved a new version of a form. For the duration of the time that local form caching is disabled, affected users will have slower response times. Your procedures for rolling out an updated form could include telling users to access the forms they require within a particular timeframe, so that local form caching can be turned back on as soon as possible.