Based on research conducted by Google, it is found that an estimated 3/4 of customers discontinue using a particular website if they fail to locate the desired item. This outcome could lead to a loss of over $300 billion for E-Commerce firms. However, online retailers and grocery stores can maintain their incoming traffic and financial returns by incorporating Neural Search mechanisms. In this regard, let us examine the concept of Neural Search in detail.
What is the difference between Traditional Search vs Neural Search?
Neural search is a game-changer for e-commerce businesses. Let’s check it in action on pseudo-example below:
As you see, the traditional search (or keyword based search) finds everything related to the word `Red` whereas, Neural Search understands the customer need, and provides much more pinpoint search result. It has even provided Pink and Crimson Shirt along, since they are ‘close to Red’. And that’s the key of understanding the Neural Search, it can understand the words' meaning or intent of the customer and provide results that normally humans could able to provide before.
Along with this, it has these capabilities built-in:
- Search for Synonym
- Auto-Correct Capability
- Multi-Lingual Search Capability
Wait!? Multi-Lingual? How?
Neural Search maps your catalogue in a space called “Vector Database”, in which this contains the every single language that is trained for already. So once you switch to Neural Search, your items will be mapped in every single language. Let us visualize in a pseudo-example below:
Let’s assume our entire catalogue is in English, but our prospect customer searched in her/his own language, which is French. They were looking for Black Shirt but they didn’t know what to type, so they entered “Chemise Noir”. Normally this search will yield to nothing, since we don’t have any item called “chemise” or “noir”.
However, with Neural Search, it can understand the customer is asking for “Black Shirt”, and it will provide the results accordingly. Better yet, with correct model, you can have 94 languages available directly, without doing anything but just switching to this method!
Sounds too good to be true?
Of course there are several drawbacks of this system. Here are few:
- Complexity of Implementation
- Operational Expense Increase
- Latency Issues on Response time
Now that the euphoria started diminishing, let me give you a secret
All of these challenges can be overcome through one solution!
Introducing Smart Search Plugins on OpenSearch/ElasticSearch
Both OpenSearch and ElasticSearch provides a plugin, Neural Search Plugin and Natural Language Processing plugin respectively, that makes it near seamless migration to this method and since this is already baked in the system it does:
- Provide simple transition,
- Not cause any additional OpEx,
- Matches Keyword Search Performance by %85!
Along with these, it can:
- Reduce the cost of your cluster by minimizing the storage needed.
- Reduce the cost of your cluster by minimizing the computing power needed.
- Provide personalized search experience, if search history of the customer added to the search query.
How can we help?
At Sonne Technology, we specialize in providing cloud-based solutions and consultancy services to businesses seeking to leverage the latest trends in technology. Our core focus is on creating Function as a Service (Serverless) products that offer customers an easy-to-manage, stress-free experience. Our team comprises of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about delivering top-notch services to our clients.
We understand that for businesses, flexibility and cost-effectiveness are key, and we strive to deliver solutions that meet these requirements. To this end, we specialize in working with startups and SMEs, providing personalized services that are tailored to meet their specific business needs.
Our expertise covers several areas, including setting up OpenSearch/ElasticSearch clusters, applying migrations from keyword search index, and optimizing search pipelines in large scale. We have experience in developing innovative solutions that help businesses achieve their search objectives efficiently and effectively.
Get in touch with us today to find out how we can help take your business to the next level with our innovative cloud-based solutions and consultancy services.
