Understanding Search Definition Queries

To define the PeopleSoft application data that end users can run their searches against, you use these standard PeopleSoft query design tools:

• PeopleSoft Query

• Connected Query

Using these tools provides a familiar interface for PeopleSoft implementation teams and a standard means of defining searchable data amongst all PeopleSoft applications. You will also need to make sure that the data you want to expose to Query is authorized by the Query Security Manager.

The data returned by the query you use serves as the source data that the search engine crawls to create the search index. If you want a particular field available for end user searches, you want to make sure that field is included in the list of fields of your query. Likewise, if you do not think a particular field is appropriate or useful to expose for end user searches, then you can make sure that field is not included in the list of fields for your query. This enables you to declare the scope of the search index and manage its size as well.

You do not need to create new queries solely for creating search definitions. You can re-purpose existing queries in PeopleSoft Query or connect multiple existing queries using Connected Query. Except for a handful of requirements for the Search Framework, queries used for creating search definitions are created exactly as you would any other query.

Queries need the following items defined for use with the Search Framework:

• List of fields to index from authorized records.

• "Last Updated" record field.

• Drilling URL.

• Prompt against the "Last Updated" field.

• Criteria for the "Last Updated" field.

This section describes the requirements and guidelines to follow when defining queries for use with the Search Framework. The PeopleSoft Query and Connected Query documentation is not duplicated within this guide. It is assumed that you have a working knowledge of those products.