Chat or search – what do I ask where?

Two input fields, two different jobs. Search finds you the document. Chat gives you an answer.

The difference

	Search	Chat
You get	a list of results with documents, emails, images and chat messages	a written answer
Right when	you know the file exists and want to open it	you have a question, want to summarise something or combine several documents
Typical input	"travel expenses policy PDF"	"How do I request a new software licence?"
What you end up with	the original, which you open	a text you can keep working with

Rule of thumb:

→ Want to find a file? Use search.

→ Want an answer or to work something out? Use the chat.

Why this often goes wrong at the start

The most common disappointment in the first week happens when someone looks for a document in the chat. The chat then replies with a text about the document – but not with the document itself. If you want to open the file, search gets you there faster.

The same goes the other way round: if you type a question into search, you get a list of results you have to read through yourself – instead of the answer you actually wanted.

You don't have to choose

The two areas are connected. From any search result, one click takes you straight into a chat about exactly that document
→ How do I write a good search query?

And in the chat you can upload files directly if you already have them.
→ What should I ask first?

Good to know

Both only show what you're allowed to see. Your access rights from the source system still apply in amber, unchanged – in search and in the chat.

Up next: What should I ask first?