Guidelines for selecting search methods

Guidelines for selecting search methods The example in this topic provides search guidelines while configuring product structures. While configuring a product structure, you can search for features using the Feature or Expression option in the Search by list. Understanding when to use each method is crucial for efficient variant configuration. To illustrate the various scenarios for using these search methods, consider the following families in a vehicle configuration: Engine Type Family Transmission Type Family Drivetrain Type family Petrol Engine Manual Transmission FWD Drivetrain Diesel Engine Automatic Transmission RWD Drivetrain Hybrid Engine CVT Transmission AWD Drivetrain Electric Engine - - For searching using basic feature combinations that span across different families, such as Petrol Engine AND Manual Transmission, selecting either Feature or Expression will generate identical results. Similarly, when searching within a single feature family, such as all Petrol Engine configurations, you can choose either search method based on your preference, as both approaches will provide the same comprehensive results. When you use expression-based filtering, the system performs solving operations in the background. As a result, searching by expression is slower compared to using the standard search by feature option. The following table suggests the recommended guidelines for searching using the Expression or Feature option. Search method When to use Example Special considerations Search by Feature When features are connected by OR across different families. Petrol Engine OR Manual Transmission Recommended for inclusive searches. When dealing with potentially conflicting criteria. Electric Engine with Petrol Engine AND Manual Transmission Provides more predictable results. When searching across multiple families with OR conditions. Petrol Engine OR Manual Transmission OR AWD Drivetrain More user-friendly for multiple selections. Search by Expression When using nested conditions or multiple logical operators. Petrol Engine AND (Manual Transmission OR Automatic Transmission) Provides more precise control when you specify the search criteria. When excluding specific features or combinations. Petrol Engine AND Not Automatic Transmission Required for NOT conditions. When using specific combinations of multiple features. (Petrol Engine AND Manual Transmission) OR (Electric Engine AND Automatic Transmission) Allows precise logical grouping of the search criteria. Engineering BOM Management ─ Usage, 2606 Unpublished work. © 2026 Siemens