Using Ad Hoc Searches

Ad hoc searches allow refinement of the standard report search criteria used to select specific records needed for a report. After the search is defined, the search instructions are saved in a list of predefined search formats for future use. Depending upon the selected report, you can define your search by using multiple tables.

You can specify selections based on multiple-field comparisons from one or more files. The files that are available for selection depend on the module and the menu function you choose.

Ad hoc searches can be as simple as one line searches that look for an exact match on values in a single field or as complex as a multiple-line item or multiple-group search. You can have up to 50 criteria for each selection. This search function supports extremely complicated queries, and supports Boolean logic statements as well as AND and OR connections.

Note: For selection between values, such as dates, combine the Greater than and Less than conditions.

To create an ad hoc search

From the module you are working in, select Generate reports to display the Generate reports window.
Select a Report Type and related Available Report.
Click Options and select Search Format to display the Select Search Instructions window, where you can perform the following tasks:

Create a new ad hoc search, or;
Edit an existing ad hoc search.

Click New or select an existing search format and click Edit on the Select Search Instructions window. The Search Instructions window displays.
Enter a descriptive name for the ad hoc search in the Search Name field.
Select the ad hoc search criteria.
Click Save to accept the search instructions and close the Search Instructions window.
Click OK on the Select Search Instructions window.
Click Run to generate the report.

More:
Modifying an Existing Ad hoc Search
Examples of Ad Hoc Searches
Managing Ad Hoc Searches