Going a little nuts here. Why can't I create a saved search that uses a text comparison for "otherrefnum"? It seems to think this is a numeric field, which it is totally not. Also formula is disabled in the Criteria tab?

Use formula

I'd love to, but formula is disabled

Ahhh sorry lol

It could be I don't understand the UI. I just can't seem to find the right order of clicks or whatever is needed to open that formula box

Field help suggests it should be a numeric value only - If your customer is paying by check, enter the number here. If your customer is issuing a purchase order, enter the PO number here. We just use a Formula (Text) criteria with {otherrefnum} instead.

Maybe create a custom field to enter otherrefnum and compare field but I don't understand why you don't have the formulas

ohhh! I didn't see the "Formula (Text)" option