Searches are collections of metadata-based conditions or user prompts, created by the administrator, to allow retrieval of PIQNIC documents.

For speed and convenience, PIQNIC does not store or manage documents in folders, so Searches are the only way to locate documents.  

A PIQNIC native search is always limited to one Document Class. Users have access to all searches assigned to Roles (user groups) they are members of. 

In addition to native searches, you can also run external searches (Google currently implemented), if allowed by the administrator. 

The purpose of external searches is to facilitate comprehensive research where users can locate relevant information held outside the PIQNIC repository. If useful for a wider audience, information returned by external searches can be classified and saved to PIQNIC as searchable URL links.  

Users can create Favorite Searches, from admin-defined searches they have access to, and place them in their Favorites area.