Neural and Hybrid Search

Two toggles are available in the Relevancy tab. They are Neural Search and Hybrid Search.

Fig. The Neural Search and Hybrid Search toggles on the Relevancy tab.

Neural Search

Instead of using keywords to find matching results, Neural Search uses machine learning (ML) algorithms and natural language processing (NLP) to understand the meaning of search queries.

All the content sources linked with a search client undergo vectorization during which the data is converted into a group of vectors. Each vector is represented by a series of numbers. The group of vectors is called the vector space. Results are returned after finding the vectors nearest to the search query in the vector space.

As a result Neural Search can provide relevant results matching a user's intention. Neural Search improves user experience because the users can find the desired results even when they don't use the specific keywords.

Hybrid Search

Hybrid Search combines the best aspects of Keyword Search and Neural Search. It has already been mentioned in Difference between Keyword, Neural and Hybrid search that Keyword Search is great for exact matches. If you are looking for a case with its ID, keyword search is the way to go. Neural search is ideal for broad match queries where the user's intention can be inferred. Hybrid Search combines them both. It retrieves results through both mechanisms. First, it runs the results through a Re-Ranker. Then, it prioritizes the right mechanism (Neural or Keyword) based on the query type.

Vectorization Modes

Neural Search and Hybrid Search depend on vectorization. Depending upon the mode, the vectorization on a content source can take place immediately after data changes are detected or at scheduled intervals. Two modes are available:

Frequency mode: This is the default state. In this mode, the Content Sources connected with the selected Search Client undergo vectorization at scheduled intervals. In many instances, the frequency is once a week; i.e. it can take up to a week for the updated data to reflect in the vector space. All SearchUnify admins can use Neural Search and Hybrid Search in the Frequency mode.
Real-Time mode: This is an add-on feature. SearchUnify admins can purchase it. When the Real-Time mode is active, then vectorization takes place as soon as changes are detected in the content source data linked with the selected search client.

Activate Neural or Hybrid Search

Neural Search and Hybrid Search can be activated and deactivated with the movement of a toggle.

NOTE.

Admins can use either Neural Search or Hybrid Search at the same time. Both cannot be turned on simultaneously.

Fig. Neural Search and Hybrid Search toggles.

Activate Neural or Hybrid Search

To learn what happens when either Neural or Hybrid Search are turned on, refer to the following docs:

Incompatible Features

When Neural Search or Hybrid Search is on, then the following features are unavailable:

Incompatible with Neural Search

Boosting of Searchable Fields
Title boosting
Re-ranking
Exact match synonyms
Special character search

Incompatible with Hybrid Search

Boosting of Searchable Fields
Title boosting
Re-ranking