NOTES 15-03, NFC Web Site Search

Date Published: September 25, 2015
Effective Date: September 25, 2015

Summary

We have received a lot of feedback regarding the search feature of the National Finance Center (NFC) Web site (www.nfc.usda.gov). Our search engines are currently catching up to all of the recent NFC Web site redesign changes. Every page of the Web site was affected by the redesign as we implemented a completely new structure to the site to accommodate all of NFC's lines of business - Human Resources/Payroll Services, Insurance Services, and our new Financial Management Services. We have also converted to a PHP-based site to improve speed, efficiency, and facilitate additional functionality. These changes affected the file extension and location of every single URL that you may have had bookmarked. For example, when comparing the two URLs below you will notice the changes.

https://www.nfc.usda.gov/Publications/PPS_Release_Notes.html

Is now

https://www.nfc.usda.gov/Publications/HR_Payroll/Release_Notes/PPS/index.php

You can learn more about the new structure and features of the site by visiting the redesign page at https://www.nfc.usda.gov/redesign/.

During this "catch-up" phase it is possible that you will encounter search results that are no longer valid resulting in either 404 Error messages or redirects. We are currently working with the BING search engine administrators to speed up this phase and mitigate any erroneous search engine results.

We have also implemented new features within Search that will enhance your interaction with search and our site.

Implementations

Search Collections

We have created "collections" of searchable content to help you narrow down possible results. You now have the ability to search all collections, or narrow your search results by line of business. You can search just HR and Payroll Services, Financial Services, or Insurances services. Simply type in search term and click the collection link in the left-hand menu. You can always toggle back to view all results by selecting the "Everything" link in the left-hand menu.

Suggested Content

We have begun collecting the most popular search terms and created "suggested content" results. For example, if you search for "Insight" the search results will populate first with suggested content, followed by the traditional search results. As shown below, this consists of a direct link to the application log in screen, the Resources page, bulletins, and training. Not what you need? No problem, simply continue reviewing the returned search results until you locate the content you were looking for.

Inquiries

We apologize for any inconveniences this has caused you. Our Web Team is standing by to assist you in locating the content you need. If you need assistance, please contact us as nfcpubs@usda.gov. We appreciate your patience during this transition.