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Oh, not what I was hoping to hear. So what can we do with data as an out of the box offering if we can't search or filter?
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The CSV data source is typically used just for listings. You can format unfriendly records in a friendly way using asset listings. Then, updating the CSV file will update your listing. Someone people update the CSV file using a script in an automated way, so it helps there as well.
For searching and filtering of data, we would normally use the DB Data Source, where you can write your own DB queries and list them. People get creative in how they use the tools, building some fairly complex applications that add/edit/delete records and also provide search interfaces, but the barrier to entry is fairly high for those sort of systems. You need to have good knowledge of the DB Data Source and other tools within Matrix to get it going.
The JS idea is a good one if that will work for you as it doesn't sound like you need any editing capabilities at the moment.