Using the Search tool
Introduced in 2023.1
Updated in 2023.2
Use the Search tool to perform text-based searches for specific fragments and keywords. It is a quick and efficient way to locate relevant information within Alloy Navigator Express, including ready-to-use solutions in Service Support tickets or Knowledge Base articles. This page explains how to effectively use the Search tool to find the required content.
The Search functionality provides an enhanced search experience in which users can perform detailed searches within a specific object class, a group of object classes, or everywhere.
Clicking on the Search button opens a slide-out pane below the main toolbar, displaying various elements to refine the search. These include:
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the search box, where you can enter some text to search for
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the current search area shown alongside it
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the Search button for starting your search
IMPORTANT: By default, inactive objects, such as closed tickets or retired
To select a different search area, click on the currently shown one. This opens a comprehensive menu of search areas, including specific object classes and groups of object classes, within which you want to perform your search.
To access additional search options, click 
located at the right edge of the Search pane. The additional options are grouped into two sections: Search in and Additional filters
Search in
Under the Search In section, you can select the specific search area within the chosen object class. By default, the search is performed in the "frequently-used fields", which typically contain important textual information for the selected object class. For example, if searching within the Change Requests object class, the default search area includes these fields: Ticket, Summary, Description, Notes. The set of "frequently-used fields" is defined individually for each object class.
INFO: To view the frequently-used text fields for each object class, see Frequently-used text fields.
However, you can change the search area by selecting a different option from the drop-down list. This allows you to target specific fields or attributes within the object class to refine you search. The available options in the drop-down list are tailored to the object class and may vary depending on the system implementation.
To search across all object classes, in the Standard scopes section select Everywhere. The other standard search scopes, All Tickets and All CIs, serve a similar yet more focused purpose in a respective area:
Activities, Closed, and History toggles
These toggles offer you additional control over the search scope by including or excluding certain elements related to the chosen objects.
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The Activities toggle allows you to include the Activity Log records shown on the objects' Activity tab in the search results. This is useful when you want to find objects based on recent activities or changes.
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The Closed toggle, depending on the object type, enables you to include inactive, closed, or retired objects in the search results. This option is particularly relevant for objects that have a lifecycle and may become inactive or closed after a certain period or event.
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The History toggle lets you include the History records associated with the chosen objects in the search results. History records typically capture past changes, modifications, or updates related to the objects, providing you with a historical perspective.
By toggling these options on or off, you can customize the search scope to fit your specific needs and retrieve more targeted results.
Additional filters
Under the Additional filters section, you can apply further filters to narrow down their search based on specific criteria. This section includes options for selecting a time range, allowing you to search for objects within a particular timeframe. The available time range options are explained in detail here.
In addition to the time range, you can specify up to two additional filters to refine your search.
To specify an additional filter:
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Select a field from the drop-down list.
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Choose an operator from a list of available options. The available operators depend on the selected field.
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Enter a value to serve as the comparison or search criterion for the chosen field. The value can be entered manually or selected by using the up and down arrows.
Reusable search criteria
The Search functionality includes the ability to save search criteria for future use. By saving search criteria, you can easily access and repeat complex or frequently used searches without having to redefine the search parameters each time.
To save search criteria:
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Click
to open the Saved criteria pane. -
Click Save search criteria.
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Enter a meaningful description for the current search criteria.
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Click Save.
Saved search criteria can be accessed from the Search field in the Saved criteria pane.
Removing search filters
The Clear All button removes all currently selected search options, entered values, and applied filters, resetting the search parameters to their default state. This allows you to start a new search from scratch without the need to manually remove each individual filter or option.