Using ref_ac_columns to add multiple columns, can I search on just one of the added columns?

[bnine]

I have added the following attributes to a User table reference field:
ref_auto_completer=AJAXTableCompleter,ref_ac_columns=u_preferred_name;name;u_parent_unit,ref_ac_order_by=u_preferred_name,ref_ac_columns_search=true

This works as expected except for the fact that results now take around 15s to show up. We don't really need to search on the Unit, we just want it to show in the drop down (to differentiate between all the Jane or John Smiths, etc.). Searching on just the Preferred Name and Name only took 2 or 3 seconds, but without the Unit...

It doesn't look to me like there is a way, but it seems very helpful to the customer. Is there a way to search just on the Preferred Name and Name columns, while still displaying the Unit in the results drop down as well?

[Allen Andreas]

Hi,

You mentioned that the results take around 15 seconds to show up? Wow...

Have you tried to remove u_parent_unit from the ref_ac_columns section to see if that drastically reduces the load time?

I'm confused as to how one field is causing THAT much of a delay. I'm sure it's possible, but goodness...

Please mark reply as Helpful/Correct, if applicable. Thanks!

[bnine]

Yes, as mentioned, removing the Unit to search on just the Preferred Name and Name takes only 2 or 3 seconds. 

I didn't create the Parent Unit field, but it is a reference to the user table (since a Unit can act as a user). I suppose that would be a cause of the increased delay. But since that is what is requested, I am asking if there is a way to search on one field seen in the results drop down list and not the other.

I only want to search on Name or Preferred Name. I don't want to search on Parent Unit, but having it in the results list will help distinguish between some results of users with the same name, so it is wanted, if possible, in the results drop down list.