Searching for Data Using Flexfield Criteria
In this section you learn how you can also enter search criteria in a flexfield when you use query-by-example. By entering search criteria in a flexfield, you can retrieve records of data that satisfy criteria in the individual segments of your key or descriptive flexfields. For example, suppose you want to search for all Accounting Flexfield combinations in the Accounting Flexfields Combinations window that contain the segment value "01" in the first segment. With query-by-example, you can enter this criteria in the Accounting Flexfield to accomplish this task. See: Entering and Querying Data
When you enter search criteria for a flexfield segment, you can use wildcard characters or any of the query operators as part of the search phrase. See: Using Query Operators.
If your flexfield segment has a list available, you can choose the List icon within the flexfield window to select a value from the list for your search criteria. Note that if you enter a value for a segment, your application automatically enters the default value for any other segments that depend on the value you enter. If you do not want a default value as part of your search criteria, you can clear the field, or you can enter another value in that field.
Entering Search Criteria in a Key Flexfield
Recall that to initiate query-by-example, you choose Enter from the Query menu to switch to Enter Query mode in the current block. In addition to entering search criteria in any of the fields of the block, you can choose Edit Field... or List of Values... (for multi-segment flexfields) from the Edit menu to bring up a key flexfield window. Use the key flexfield window to specify search criteria for any of the segments of the flexfield. When you are done, choose OK to close the flexfield window and then choose Run from the Query menu to perform the search.
Note: If you prefer, you can also enter your concatenated segment search criteria directly into a key flexfield display when your block is in Enter Query mode. The concatenated search criteria must include the appropriate segment separator character. When you are done specifying the search criteria for the block, choose Run from the Query menu to perform the search.
Entering Search Criteria in a Descriptive Flexfield
To enter search criteria in a customized descriptive flexfield when your current block is in Enter Query mode, simply navigate to the descriptive flexfield to automatically display the descriptive flexfield window. When you are done entering search criteria in any or all of the descriptive flexfield segments, choose OK to close the descriptive flexfield window and then choose Run from the Query menu to perform the search.
Attention: If you set the user profile option Flexfields:Open Descr Window to `No', you must choose Edit Field... from the Edit menu to open the descriptive flexfield window. See: Setting Your Personal User Profile.
