Question: What the steps to follow immediately after installation to make sure the existing data is available for search?
Answer:
1. Admin -> Setup -> Enhanced search -> Optimize (only if using Enhanced Search)
2. Tools -> Rebuild Caches -> Rebuild Showcase Fields - indexation of all existing showcase fields into a separate MySQL table
3. Tools -> Rebuild Caches -> Rebuild search index - select Custom showcase fields as content type and rebuild.
4. Admin -> Forums -> Custom showcase fields -> [Edit a field] - check Allow Filter checkbox if you want the field to be shown in filters.
5. Admin -> Forums -> Nodes [Edit a node] - setup the fields to be shown in showcase list directly under "Show in Item List".
Check product description for more details about features available in the product.