Within the framework of realizing the patent information system PATIS, the German Patent Office (GPO) is presently developing a pilot version of a workstation (pilot station) and a pilot system. Based on the operational steps to be carried out in searching, the operation of the workstation is described by means of a layered model of search. In so doing, the relations of search system — archive system (= comprehensive document database) and workstations in the pilot system and in the projected patent information system become transparent. The realization of the pilot station and the pilot system is explained in detail.