Search is always changing. In these days of semantic enrichment, machine-assisted indexing, natural language processing (NLP) and artificial intelligence (AI), it has never been more complicated and simultaneously, never more effective.
Boolean search is a structured search process that allows the user to insert words or phrases such as and, or, not to limit, broaden and define the search results. This was as as simple as it ever was, with the exception of the library card Dewey Decimal classification approach.
Intelligent search is AI-powered search that is designed to understand a user’s goal, and return results that are based on the inference of that goal – not just the word submitted. This requires going far beyond direct query matches. Intelligent search combines elements of semantic vector search and machine learning technology to construct a picture of the user’s overall goal.
Most organizations today face challenges as they accumulate volumes of data on premises and in the cloud. How do they begin to locate what’s valuable, sensitive or relevant when the time comes, and in an expedited manner?
Search engines have come a long way in their ability to help you find desired information within an enterprise. Technologies vary, but no matter the search method, all kinds of searches can be enhanced if a solid custom taxonomy is developed. Regardless of how content is indexed, taxonomies can enhance search by boosting accuracy in retrieval results and by improving the user experience.
Taxonomies provide consistency in terms and categories to enable findability in content. This is true regardless of the subject. The best known taxonomies are hierarchical structures of terms arranged in parent/child or broader/narrower relationships. The idea is to create a logical structure of the terms so that the users can easily locate the most desirable term, even if they do not know ahead of time exactly how that term is worded. Information seekers may search for something specific and know what it is called, or they may browse for information on a subject area, but are not sure exactly how to call it or have various possible ideas. A hierarchical taxonomy specifically helps this latter kind of information seeking.
Making data accessible is something we know a little about. Whatever you are searching for, it is important to have a comprehensive search feature and quality indexing against a standards-based taxonomy. Choose the right partner in technology, especially when your content is in their hands. Access Innovations is known as a leader in database production, standards development, and creating and applying taxonomies.
Melody K. Smith
Sponsored by Data Harmony, harmonizing knowledge for a better search experience.
