A mechanism and accompanying method adapted for use with a user interface for manipulating complex data strings. In an example embodiment, the method includes providing a dialog box that includes a first user option to input data pertaining to a complex data string; using data input pertaining to the complex data string to selectively verify that portions of the complex data string represent valid portions; providing a first user option via the dialog box to employ data input pertaining to the complex data string as one or more search criteria to selectively perform a search of preexisting complex data strings; and providing search results in response thereto, wherein the search results are displayed within the dialog box. In a specific embodiment, the method further includes providing a mechanism via the dialog box to trigger creation of a complex data string that a user has specified via the dialog box when search results for the complex data string to be created do not include a match. The complex data string includes a Key Flex Field (KFF) code employed in an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software application. Hence, mechanisms for inputting, creating, searching, and displaying complex data strings may occur within a single dialog box.