Changes

The mine action information collected and stored in IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} is useless without the ability to find it and use it to make operational decisions. That’s why IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} includes a robust data search mechanism that provides an easy-to-use, multilevel interface for building and running searches. As with other parts of IMSMA^NG, the search functionality is divided into a customisation mode, where information managers can prepare simple or complex searches, and an execution mode where data entry personnel can run prebuilt searches. This simplifies the user experience and ensures consistency of use by sharing identical searches with all users. The IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} search function has three primary purposes:

Information The search functionality is of different types:*simple as in only one filter option may be used*advanced as in more than one filter option may be used and complex critera using AND / OR is possible to define*saved searches which are prepared by information managers for usage by all users. Saved searches simplifies the user experience and ensures consistency of use by sharing identical searches with all users. Of cause all users have the possibility to saved searches which is a convenience so they may be re-used. formation managers can customise IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} searches for each of these purposes to meet the specific needs of the programme. Particularly, customizing the search functionality to facilitate access to programme data and reporting is a key component of implementing and managing a programme’s information workflow.

Building searches in IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} is a simple three-step process in which information managers determine:

While the IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} search functionality is extremely robust—allowing searches on CDFs, customised option list values and links among items— there are some cases where users may want to run more complex searches that cannot be built using the standard search interface. For these cases, IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} includes a special Structured Query Language (SQL) search functionality that allows information managers to provide SQL syntax for executing searches. Creating searches using SQL criteria requires a detailed understanding of relational databases, SQL and the IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} data model and should only be undertaken by advanced users.

Using SQL criteria, information managers can design complicated searches that can then be saved and run by users with no understanding of SQL. In this way, IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} unleashes the full power of SQL criteria, joins and subqueries in an easy-to-run interface.

* It is recommended that information managers test their SQL in an external SQL editor prior to using it within IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} since IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} does not provide SQL debugging support.* Information managers can build complicated queries using SQL and combine them with other criteria, including parameters, to provide virtually unlimited search capabilities to IMSMA^NG {{IMSMANG}} users}}