Modernizing PeopleSoft: Configurable Search and Keyword Search
If you’ve ever tried to look up something in PeopleSoft, you know how much a good search makes a difference. That’s why I’m excited about Configurable Search and Keyword Search - they bring a modern, flexible experience to both Fluid and Classic PeopleSoft components.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how these features can make your day easier, cut down on maintenance headaches, and give you (or your team) more control over the search experience.
✨ What is Configurable Search?
Configurable Search modernizes the Component Search interface and provides a single configuration framework to manage search across components. It allows institutions to adjust search behavior based on business needs without requiring heavy customizations.
Why it’s a Game Changer:
- Improved User Experience – modern, consistent interface across Fluid and Classic.
- Centralized Configuration – one-stop setup to manage all aspects of component search. No more hunting through menus!
- Reduced Maintenance Costs – fewer customizations, more control from delivered tools. Less stress!
⚙️ How to Set Up Configurable Search
Here’s how to configure search for any component:
1. Locate the Content Reference
o Go to Manage Configurable Search
o Find the Content Reference (CREF) for the desired component.
o Set the search type to Standard Search.
2. Override Default Search Record
o The system automatically pulls in the search record defined during component build.
o You can override this record, and also update the Search Page Heading and Instructions.
3. Customize Search Behavior
o Options include:
§ Columnar display
§ Maximum number of recent or saved searches
§ Recent Search Format
§ Maximum number of search results
§ Collapse search criteria by default (Yes/No)
4. Modify Search Fields
o Use the Load Fields button to display all criteria and result fields from the associated search record.
o Adjust field behavior: Required, Hidden, Display Only.
o Configure criteria order, field sequence, and mobile/small-form-factor visibility.
o Define which fields appear in results and the order they display.
This flexibility lets you tailor the search experience for end users while aligning with institutional policies.
🔍 Getting the Most from Keyword Search in PeopleSoft
In addition to Configurable Search, PeopleSoft offers Keyword Search—a highly efficient, intuitive search powered by the PeopleTools Search Framework.
Key Features:
- Search Definition Mapping – components must be linked to a search definition.
- Real-Time Indexing – ensures indexes are always synced as transactions occur, eliminating stale data.
- Consumer-Grade Experience – delivers modern search capabilities for students, faculty, and staff.
⚙️ How to Manage Keyword Search
The Steps:
- Go to Manage Configurable Search
- Find the Content Reference and select Keyword Search as the search type.
- Configure search fields, criteria, and results—similar to Configurable Search.
- Any changes you make here apply only to the component’s CREF, without impacting other areas that use the same search definition.
Sample Search Page for Keyword Search
🚀 The Big Picture: Why It Matters
Here’s what I and many others have found:
- Searches are faster and easier for everyone.
- We can update search settings without calling in developers.
- Data is always up to date, so nobody has to second-guess.
- The experience just feels fresher - closer to what people expect from modern apps.
Wrapping Up
Configurable Search and Keyword Search aren’t just cool features - they’re a real leap forward for PeopleSoft. With these tools, I get happier users, simpler admins, and a truly modern search experience. If you haven’t tried these features yet, now’s a great time to jump in!