Following Microsoft's transition from the legacy Schedule Board to the new Schedule Board, our users have experienced a significant reduction in usability and efficiency.
The most impactful change relates to search functionality. Previously, users could search using partial request numbers (effectively a "Contains" search). Following migration to the new Schedule Board, the search now behaves as "Starts With" only.
Microsoft Support previously confirmed that this behaviour is by design and was introduced to improve platform performance. However, the recommended workaround of manually applying a column-level filter and changing it to "Contains" is not practical for our users because:
- It requires additional steps every time users access the Schedule Board.
- The setting does not persist and reverts back after navigation.
- It significantly increases the effort required to locate requests.
- Our workflow teams use the Schedule Board continuously throughout the day and frequently search using partial request numbers.
In addition to the search regression, users have reported:
- Increased system slowness.
- Schedule Board refresh inconsistencies.
- Task duplication behaviour.
- Changes made on the board not immediately appearing.
- Additional product tasks not consistently displaying in Open Resource Requirements.
We would appreciate Microsoft's guidance on:
- Whether there are any configuration options available to restore partial/"Contains" style searching.
- Whether search behaviour can be enhanced while maintaining performance.
- Whether there is a roadmap item or planned enhancement addressing these usability concerns.
- Whether Product Engineering can review the feedback and advise on improvements to restore efficiency levels previously available in the legacy Schedule Board.
This change has had a measurable impact on user productivity and scheduling efficiency, and we would welcome engagement from the Product team regarding potential enhancements.