Implement Elasticsearch indexing for the NHRD research repository search functionality to reduce average search response time from 4.2 seconds to under 0.8 seconds. This includes re-indexing existing records, updating the ASP.NET search controller, and deploying the Elasticsearch service within the existing Azure environment.
Business Justification
The current database full-text search is causing significant delays for registered researchers. User feedback surveys indicate 68% of researchers experience timeouts during search. This improvement is part of the Q1 2026 NHRD Performance Enhancement Project Plan (ref: NHRD-PP-2026-01), and is a direct recommendation from the March 2026 user satisfaction audit.
Who is Affected
All registered NHRD researchers (est. 4,200 active users), NHRD ICT Infrastructure team, Health Information Management department.
Impact of Not Implementing
Continued search degradation will reduce research discovery and output. Risk of researcher attrition to alternative databases. Non-compliance with the Q1 2026 performance KPI commitments to the Steering Committee.
Downtime required: No User notification required: Yes
Request Timeline
Request Submitted
22 March 2026, 10:15 SAST | Dr. S. Mahlangu
Change request CR-2026-007 submitted via NHRD Support Module. AI completeness score: 87%.
Assigned to Initial Reviewer
22 March 2026, 10:32 SAST | System
Automatically assigned to ICT Review Team queue. Reviewer: Ms. P. Dlamini (ICT Project Manager).
More Information Requested
24 March 2026, 14:08 SAST | Ms. P. Dlamini
"Please clarify the rollout window and provide an updated rollback plan. Also confirm whether any external API dependencies will be impacted."
Requestor Responded
25 March 2026, 09:22 SAST | Dr. S. Mahlangu
Rollback plan and updated implementation schedule attached. No external API dependencies affected.
Initial Review In Progress
26 March 2026, 09:14 SAST | Ms. P. Dlamini
Reviewing updated documents. Expected decision by 28 March 2026.
Technical Evaluation
Pending
CAB Approval (8 April 2026)
Pending
Comments & Correspondence
PD
Ms. P. Dlamini
ICT Project Manager | 24 March 2026, 14:08
More Info Required
Please clarify the rollout window and provide an updated rollback plan. Also confirm whether any external API dependencies will be impacted by the Elasticsearch integration.
SM
Dr. S. Mahlangu
Requestor | 25 March 2026, 09:22
Reply
Thank you for the review. Please find attached the updated implementation schedule (Implementation_Plan_v2.docx) and rollback procedure. Regarding external APIs – after consultation with the ICT team, we confirmed no external APIs are affected. The Elasticsearch service will be deployed in the existing Azure subscription with no changes to API Gateway rules.
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Attached Documents
Implementation_Plan_v2.docx
Uploaded by Dr. S. Mahlangu | 25 March 2026 | 284 KB
Ticket CR-2026-007 from the Health Information Management department proposes a High-priority Minor change to replace the current database full-text search with Elasticsearch indexing on the NHRD platform. The business case is well-supported, citing a 68% user dissatisfaction rate and alignment with the Q1 2026 Performance Enhancement Project Plan. The change is technical in nature, affecting configuration items and technology components. No downtime is required for implementation. User notification has been flagged as necessary. The requestor has responded adequately to reviewer queries and attached an updated implementation plan.
AI Suggested Priority
HIGH
Completeness Score
87%
Risk Level
Medium
AI Findings
Strong business case with quantified impact (68% user dissatisfaction)