Gen AI in Search: 5 Use Cases

Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is redefining search as we know it. From the precision-demanding fields of B2B commerce and distribution to the customer-centric worlds of financial services and healthcare, everyone’s looking to get a piece of the pie — but knowing where to start can be tricky.

Our recent State of Gen AI in 2024 report found that only 25% of companies have successfully launched AI initiatives. Why? One of the biggest roadblocks is identifying the right use cases.

This post breaks down 5 key ways Gen AI is transforming search, giving you a clear roadmap to kickstart your own Gen AI journey.

The Evolution of Search with Gen AI

Gen AI has the potential to redefine the humble search engine from a simple query tool; i.e. “ball bearing,” to a predictive, insightful, and adaptive assistant; i.e. “high-precision ball bearing for aerospace applications with low friction coefficient.” Gen AI in search draws from a deep well of data and learning from interactions to deliver astonishingly pertinent and timely results. In industries like manufacturing, where precise information is critical, this level of understanding can make or break a deal.

The industrial landscape thrives on precision. Crucially, Gen AI in search needs to be rooted in security and guardrails. When implemented responsibly, it bridges the gap between vast data repositories and the end user, ensuring that searches are accurate and contextually enriched. This means less time sifting through irrelevant data and more time harnessing actionable insights. In the right use case, Gen AI in search can create more efficient, responsive search experiences, whether sourcing components, assessing supplier performance, or navigating complex product catalogs.

By intelligently indexing and categorizing data, Gen AI in search makes the search function an even more strategic asset, turning every query into an opportunity to streamline operations and bolster the decision-making process. The result? A more agile, informed, and competitive business ready to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market.

Don’t know where to start using Gen AI in search? Here’s 27 ideas!

5 Gen AI in Search Use Cases

As the diagram above illustrates, the potential applications of Gen AI in search are extensive. Let’s explore five key use cases that are already reshaping businesses across various industries.

1.  Enhancing User Experience with Personalized Search Results

Personalization is probably one of the features of Gen AI in search you think of first. Integrating Gen AI in search takes it beyond basic demographics and search history, going into individual behaviors and preferences to tailor results with higher precision.

In sectors like finance and healthcare, where access to the right information is paramount, this granular level of personalization is a game-changer. Financial advisors could instantly access comprehensive client profiles and medical researchers can effortlessly find critical research data. This is the future of knowledge management, where search anticipates needs and empowers users with the information they need, when they need it.

2.  Streamlining Operations with Predictive Analytics and Intelligent Merchandising

Gen AI’s predictive analytics capabilities are making waves in manufacturing, forecasting demand, refining supply chains, and proactively managing maintenance. These insights allow a more agile response to market fluctuations, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. In B2B Distribution, Gen AI in search empowers intelligent merchandising, dynamically adjusting product placement and promotions, similar to tactics seen in hybrid B2B/2C commerce.

This real-time adaptability to trends and stock levels optimizes sales potential and enhances the supply chain’s resilience. By leveraging Gen AI in search, operations are not only streamlined; they’re transformed into a predictive powerhouse, driving growth and sustainability in a fiercely competitive market.

3.  Improving Content Discovery with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Dynamic Navigation

Natural Language Processing (NLP), powered by Gen AI, has transformed search functions into intuitive discovery platforms. This technological leap is a boon for industries like manufacturing, where navigating intricate specifications and extensive catalogs is routine. NLP easily interprets complex queries, providing spot-on results that were once hidden in data depths.

Complementing this, dynamic navigation enables an intuitive data journey, guiding users through information landscapes easily and precisely. This synergy of NLP and dynamic navigation not only elevates content discovery but significantly cuts down on search time, boosting productivity and enhancing the overall user experience.

4.  Advancing Customer Support with Chatbots and Virtual Assistants

The advent of Gen AI in search has elevated customer service to new heights, transcending traditional human limitations. Chatbots and virtual assistants, underpinned by this advanced AI, offer not just real-time solutions but also anticipate needs, delivering a level of interactivity once imagined only in science fiction.

They’ve become indispensable on platforms like those used by leading hybrid commerce entities like Lenovo, ensuring a frictionless customer journey. These AI assistants engage users, provide personalized recommendations, facilitate transactions, and even troubleshoot issues proactively.

Their ability to learn from interactions makes them increasingly adept over time, promising a future where customer support is as dynamic and responsive as the marketplace itself.

5.  Leveraging Visual and Voice Search for Enhanced Interactions

Visual and voice search redefine user interaction, aligning with our innate communication methods. In retail, where speed and convenience are paramount, these technologies excel by simplifying product discovery and decision-making processes. Their integration into B2B platforms underscores a shift towards more user-friendly experiences, facilitating effortless searches without the need for precise keywords or complex navigation.

This streamlines the user journey and accommodates diverse user preferences and abilities, ensuring that the technology is accessible and efficient for all, thus broadening the potential customer base and deepening engagement.

Discover the Right Gen AI Search Solution with Lucidworks

Gen AI in search is a fundamental shift, ushering in a new era of efficiency, accuracy, and engagement. The possibilities are vast, and we’ve only scratched the surface.

If you’re ready to harness the power of Gen AI in search for your digital experience needs, explore the multitude of use cases where Lucidworks AI shines. Our expertise in AI-driven search solutions is designed to propel your business forward. Connect with Lucidworks today so you can learn about the Gen AI search applications that are well-suited for your unique challenges and goals.