The project I am working with is a desktop application linked to a database system. This application is used to search for a record and either update information or utilise some of the information within a letter template to print.

There are three types of users, all using the same information and all need to search for a record to create or change anything.

My question is: Which path would be more user friendly and effective, being confronted with a search field as soon as you login so you can gain that record you need, or login and then define what you need by clicking a couple of options and then searching within that defined option.
I.e find what you need then define what you need it for, or define what you need and then find what you need for it?