Finding the right data is an important part of building a transparent Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). This article explains several ways to find data in SimaPro desktop.
Find function
You can use the Find function from the Edit menu (or use CTRL+F) to search the database for certain items. For example, all processes with a name containing "cement" or substances with "methyl" in their name. By default, SimaPro searches in names only. However, if you select "All fields," it searches all text fields, including comments and documentation, which can slow things down quite a bit. For substances, this means you can also search in CAS numbers and comments. Hence, we recommend you to specify your search by indicating whether you want to include projects or libraries in the "Where" field and by indicating the type of data you are looking for in the "Type" field. For more tips on data search, please refer to this article.
Regular filtering
If you want to quickly find processes, especially if you already know part of the process name or keyword, you can use the regular filter box at the top of "Processes" and "Product stages" window. With "Show as list" option selected, you can easily search for processes throughout all categories. This is generally the fastest option for a simple search, for example finding processes containing "cement".
Advanced filtering (only available in SimaPro 11 onward)
When working with large libraries and background databases, locating the exact process or dataset you need can sometimes be time-consuming, especially if you do not know the exact technical name. With Advanced filtering, you have greater flexibility to search, narrow down, and explore datasets using custom conditions directly within your overview lists. This allows you to do more complex searches involving multiple attributes or inclusion and exclusion rules, for example, finding processes containing "cement" with a specific unit from a particular library, geography, or project.
To use this feature:
Open your project in SimaPro
Go to the "Processes" section
Tick the "Advanced Filtering" checkbox on the right-hand side of the window; a filter bar will appear. If you want to search across all categories, make sure "Show as list" is selected too
Click "Customize"
Set conditions by clicking the "Filter" button, choosing an operator (contains, begins with, equals), and entering search terms
Click "Apply". Results will be shown immediately to display matching records
To return to the full list, simply clear your filter values or uncheck the Advanced Filtering box at any time to return to the standard view.
Note! Advanced Filtering is context-dependent. Some filter options may not be relevant to the records currently shown, and the available controls can vary between sections. If an option does not describe the data you are viewing, use the fields that are relevant to the current section.
Find text shortcut
If you want to search for specific texts fragments when you are in a process or method, you can use the "Find text" command. Use a right mouse click in the editor and select "Find text" or use "CTRL+T". It will then search all editable and visible fields, including susbtances, process links, amounts and units. The "Find text" window will stay on top of the editor, so you can use "Find next" button to go to the place where the entered text is found.
