How to Configure Hybrid Data Cache in Embedded Dashboards

TL;DR: Hybrid Data Cache stores an encrypted copy of your dataset inside the Bold BI environment, so dashboards load from cache instead of repeatedly querying the live source. This improves embedded dashboard load times, reduces database load, and helps maintain consistent performance under high concurrency.

Introduction

Embedded dashboards often depend on live database queries, which can slow load times, strain back-end systems, and impact application performance as user traffic scales. When multiple users access complex visuals simultaneously, repeated queries can create latency and unnecessary pressure on production databases. Using a hybrid data cache in Bold BI addresses this challenge by storing an encrypted local copy of your dataset for faster access.

In this blog, we’ll explain what a hybrid data cache is, why it’s essential for embedded dashboards, and how to configure it step-by-step in Bold BI to achieve optimal dashboard performance.

What is hybrid data cache?

Hybrid data caching stores an encrypted copy of an entire dataset in local storage so dashboards can load data directly from the cache instead of repeatedly querying the live database. This improves dashboard speed, reduces server and database load, and enhances overall performance. It supports SQL, PostgreSQL, MySQL, and extract‑mode connectors like CSV, web APIs, and Google Sheets.

Why Hybrid Data Cache Matters for Embedded Dashboards

Embedded dashboards need hybrid data caching for the following reasons:

• Faster dashboard loading: Cached data allows dashboards to load significantly faster without repeatedly querying live databases.
• Reduced database and server load: By minimizing frequent data requests, a hybrid data cache prevents excessive strain on back-end systems.
• Consistent performance for high user traffic: Hybrid data caching ensures stable performance even when many users access dashboards simultaneously.
• Efficient and controlled data refresh: Scheduled refreshes keep cached data up to date without impacting production databases.
• Better user experience: Faster rendering and smoother interactions improve usability across embedded applications.

By integrating hybrid data caching, embedded analytics becomes smoother, more efficient, and better equipped to handle high‑demand, real‑time user interactions.

Real-world use case: Improving dashboard performance in a SaaS application

Consider a SaaS platform that provides customer-facing analytics dashboards for hundreds of users across multiple organizations. Each time users open dashboards, apply filters, or interact with widgets, the application sends repeated queries to the live database.

During peak business hours, this can lead to:

• Slow dashboard loading

• Increased database resource consumption

• Higher server load

• Delayed user interactions

• Performance bottlenecks for concurrent users

By enabling hybrid data cache in Bold BI, the platform can store encrypted copies of frequently accessed datasets locally. Instead of repeatedly querying the live database, dashboards retrieve data directly from the cache, significantly reducing response times and backend workload.

This helps the SaaS application:

• Deliver faster dashboard rendering

• Improve embedded analytics scalability

• Maintain stable performance during high traffic

• Reduce pressure on production databases

• Provide a smoother user experience for customers

Hybrid data cache becomes especially valuable for embedded analytics applications that support large user bases, operational dashboards, and high-concurrency reporting environments.

How to configure hybrid data cache in embedded dashboards

You can configure the hybrid data cache for both live- and extract-mode data sources to improve dashboard performance and reduce database load. To configure a hybrid data cache in Bold BI:

1. Log in to Bold BI and go to your Dashboards list.

1. Select the Edit option that corresponds to the dashboard for which you want to enable hybrid data caching.

1. On the right side of the designer, select Data Sources and then select the Edit option next to the data source you want to cache.

The data source editing page will open as shown:

1. Select Hybrid Data Cache in the toolbar.

1. In the Hybrid Data Cache Settings dialog, select the recurrence type (hourly or daily) and set a start time for the cache refresh. Make sure the Enabled option is selected. Click Schedule.

1. Click Save to apply the changes.

1. Publish or preview the dashboard.

What to expect after enabling Hybrid Data Cache

With Hybrid Data Cache enabled, you can typically expect:

• Faster dashboard loading for frequently accessed dashboards
• Reduced repeated queries to the live database
• More stable performance under higher concurrency

[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="1484"] Dashboard after hybrid data caching[/caption]

With hybrid data caching enabled for your dashboard, you can expect better dashboard performance and less load on your database.

Final thoughts

Hybrid data caching helps embedded dashboards load faster by reducing repeated database queries and lowering back-end load. Bold BI® ensures consistently fast load times, smoother interactions, and reliable performance even as user volume and data size grow, making it well-suited for large‑scale embedded analytics deployments. To learn more, refer to our documentation and Data Caching in Bold BI—Tips to Load Your Dashboards Faster blog.

Ready to get started with Bold BI’s self-service analytics? Sign up for a free trial or schedule a demo with our product experts today.

Frequently asked questions

1. 1.

   What is Hybrid Data Cache in Bold BI?

   Hybrid Data Cache stores frequently accessed dashboard data to improve load speed while keeping data refreshed from the source.
2. 2.

   Which data sources support Hybrid Data Cache?

   It supports most major data sources in Bold BI, including databases, cloud services, and business applications.
3. 3.

   Can Hybrid Data Cache refresh automatically?

   Yes, cached data refreshes automatically based on the configured schedule.
4. 4.

   How does Hybrid Data Cache improve dashboard performance?

   It reduces repeated data queries by serving data from cache, resulting in faster dashboard loading.
5. 5.

   Is cached data stored securely?

   Yes, cached data follows the same security and access controls as live data.