This tip applies to virtually every list in Time Matters and can be implemented with ease but only applies to Time Matters installations running on SQL Server. If your users tend to click on column headings a lot or use a custom sort order for their quick tabs, this tip can help immensely.

With SQL Server we have the ability to add custom indexes without disturbing Time Matters in an adverse way. In fact, we can significantly improve the performance of the primary lists. Take for example a matter QuickTab that is designed to sort by a custom field. Every time this QuickTab is selected, SQL Server must build an on-demand custom sort index based on the specific field. By default, SQL does this much faster than professional but the performance can be significantly improved if we add a custom index for it.

Time Matters makes this very easy to do, no SQL required! From the program level settings for lists, select Matter, then the Sort tab. 

Upon completion of this screen, the following index will be created in SQL Server.

As you see, Time Matters has automatically added the archive column to the top of the index. All lists in Time Matters have a hidden filter for the archive flag, thus creating indexes with archive first allows for an optimal SQL query.

You do not have to rely on Time Matters to create these indexes. You can in fact use the interface in SQL Server to create additional indexes. SQL Server is optimized to automatically select the best index based on the current filter and sort order. 

It's important to note that adding too many indexes will increase the overhead required to update and insert new records into the database.