Visual search functionality enables searching for images using images rather than words. Examples include online searches for images similar to a certain image, and shopping for a piece of clothing using a photograph of a person wearing something similar. Such image-based search uses AI algorithms that process and understand colours and shapes, which elements of an image are relevant, broad classifications of images and their elements, and so forth.
Background
Our client, a leading textile manufacturer, caters to a diverse range of B2B customers. Their product enquiries usually entailed sending in images of a certain product, after which the client would try to locate similar products in their catalogue. The client’s catalogue includes thousands of textile patterns, which makes manual searches extremely time-consuming—and, in some cases, inaccurate.
The Challenge
The client had their entire catalogue stored on Google Drive. Customers would make enquiries by sending in product images. Each time a customer enquiry came in, employees would manually search through the catalogue to find matching products. The process would take as long as 15 to 30 minutes for each enquiry. Further, it was prone to human error and inaccuracies. As the client’s catalogue grew, the inefficiency became even more of a bottleneck that affected productivity and, ultimately, customer satisfaction.
Our Solution
We implemented an AI-powered image search solution for the client’s challenge. We first designed our machine learning (ML) model to analyse images based on relevant parameters including colour composition, patterns, and textures. Next came catalogue training: We fed the client’s catalogue, which included textile products, into our ML model. We then trained the model to recognise the relevant characteristics of each of the client’s products.
Once our model was familiar with the details and nuances of the products in the client’s catalogue, it was able to function as a search tool—comparing product images sent in by clients with images in the catalogue to identify similar products.
We integrated our image search tool with the client’s existing digital infrastructure, ensuring a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations. We also implemented a user-friendly interface that made it easy for employees to access it.
Here’s a short video that shows a typical interaction with the image search tool in a web browser. As you can see, a user just needs to upload an image of a fabric and click a button to see similar fabrics from the client’s catalogue.
Implementation and Results
Once our solution was implemented, the client saw immediate gains:
- The time taken for comparing images to find appropriate products went down from 15 to 30 minutes to mere seconds. This dramatic increase in efficiency enabled the client to handle many more customer queries than was earlier possible.
- Our ML model eliminated the subjectivity associated with manual search, which meant more accurate search results and product matches. This, in turn, enhanced the client’s credibility and trust among their customers.
- Our AI solution scaled effortlessly with the client’s growing catalogue, ensuring quick and reliable searches regardless of catalogue size. This scalability allowed them to expand their product offerings without having to worry about search inefficiencies and inaccuracies.
Business Impact
The implementation of our AI-powered image search solution had a tremendous positive impact on the client’s business operations: It gave them a significant edge over competitors who were still relying on manual product-search operations.
Increased productivity
Automation of the search process freed employees from tedious manual search operations. They could now focus on critical and value-added tasks. This, in turn, led to a 30% boost in overall productivity.
Improved customer satisfaction
Faster response times and better product search accuracy led to a 50% increase in customer satisfaction scores. This led to customers being more likely to return and to recommend the client’s services.
Increased business opportunities
The client was able to market their vastly improved product-search efficiency and accuracy as a unique selling point with the potential to attract new business.
Broader Applicability
The utility of our AI-powered image search solution extends beyond the textile industry. It can be adapted to any vertical in which visual similarity detection and pattern recognition drive business. Here are a few examples of how this technology is being used across industries.
E-commerce: Online retailers can use a solution such as ours to enable customers to find products similar to a product they have seen but cannot easily describe in words.
Healthcare: Medical professionals can utilise AI-powered image-based search to quickly map a medical imaging sample—such as a CT scan—to similar images, aiding in diagnostics and treatment planning.
Real Estate: Agents can quickly match a client’s preferences for a property, in terms of visual aspects, with available properties.
Fashion: Designers and merchandisers can use customer preferences and recommendations, provided in the form of images, as input to locate similar designs and patterns. This helps stay abreast of trends and meet changing customer demands.
Manufacturing: Companies can streamline quality control processes by quickly identifying defects and finding matching parts.
Conclusion
Our AI-powered image search solution comprehensively addressed the client’s challenges. The improvements they saw in terms of search accuracy, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction underscore the power of AI in revolutionising business operations for textile manufacturers.
Are you ready to supercharge your catalogue’s performance and provide a new level of product engagement for potential customers?
Contact us today to schedule a demo and discover how our AI-powered image search solution can radically transform your business.
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