Ascendix search

Unlike existing list views where you can only filter by fields from the object selected, Ascendix allows you to perform cross object searches and filter using fields from related objects. You can a select seemingly infinite number of fields and objects to filter your results down to the most precise list of records.

After you run the search, a list view with your results will appear. Ascendix allows you to view an entire record detail page and its related objects without having to navigate away from the list view. Though you can already bulk edit in list views, Ascendix improves on this functionality by allowing you to bulk edit any field on the object being searched, not just those with visible columns. This subtle difference is actually quite significant as it enables you to show only the most pertinent info without having to worry about how it will affect your ability to work with the records shown.

While Ascendix Search undoubtedly enhances the Salesforce user experience, the app does have some limitations that prevent it from realizing its full potential. Most notably, you can only bulk edit fields on the primary object. Other more minor weaknesses include not being able to view saved searches as object list views, its pay-per-user license model, and the inability to load an entire list of results (can load a maximum of 250 results, and then requires scrolling to load additional results).

Despite these limitations, Ascendix Search still remains an extremely useful app that offers major upgrades over the traditional list views. Ascendix Search doesn’t quite combine the full functionality of reports with list views, but it comes very close, and for that reason it is certainly worth having for any Salesforce user who regularly relies on list views during their normal workflow.

By Ryam Ram
Deployment Lead, Una Buro