Which of the following is essential before adding saved searches that utilize specific fields?

Before adding saved searches that utilize specific fields, it is essential to ensure that those required fields are added to the application. This is because saved searches rely on the fields to filter and display the relevant data. If the necessary fields are not present in the application, the saved searches cannot function correctly—there will be no data linked to the searches because they don’t recognize the fields being referenced. Essentially, the search parameters must align with the structure of the application's database for effective results.

The need for other actions, such as adding users, new layouts, or mass operations, does not directly impact the ability to create saved searches based on specific fields. While these actions may be important for broader functionality and user interaction within the application, ensuring that the required fields are present is fundamental for the saved searches to work properly. Without having these fields established, the saved search feature would be ineffective, highlighting why this step is crucial.