Local Project Cache

Here is a great explanation of the local project cache.

https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc197466.aspx

(1a) User opens a project for the first time.

(1b) Project is cached.

(2a) User opens the project for the second time. Project is opened from the cache.

(2b) Project changes (if any) are downloaded from Project Server.

(3a) User saves the project. Project is saved to the cache. User gets control back with minimal delay.

(3b) Project Professional saves the cached project to the server.