Good search technique is critical to efficient use of the system.
Start with one parameter. Usually one, a sometimes two parameters, is sufficient to find the record you are looking for. The more specific your search terms, the more likely the record will not match the terms due to spelling, order, or other variations.
Keep the search parameters short. Use ACME instead of ACME Construction, Inc. You can even use partial words, such as envi instead of typing environmental consultant.
The system will ignore punctuation. C & C is treated the same as C and C; C. C. is the same as C C.
When searching for businesses that are named for their founder, such as John Smith & Co., it may be listed as John Smith and Co. or Smith, John and Co. You may need to search for both versions. Start by searching just for one of the names, such as Smith.
Become familiar with the possible settings and options. The record you are seeking may not be displayed because you have selected the wrong option. Or too many records were returned because you did not narrow the search parameters.
The search is not case sensitive. ACME is treated the same as acme.
When searching by first name, be aware that users may be listed by alternate names. For example: James, Jim, Jimmy, or J.
When searching by contract or project number, where you are typing a specific reference, your number must be exactly correct. It does not have to be complete (type C53 to view all contracts that have C53 in the contract number, such as C531, C532, C53B, C53980 etc.), but C53 will not find C35.