Building AI Features with Retrieval-Augmented Generation
A practical guide to connecting language models with project data using Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), including access-control and evaluation considerations.
From Chatbots to Data-Grounded AI Features
When connecting language models to application data, teams need to consider which sources can be retrieved, how responses are evaluated, and where human review is appropriate.
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) can ground responses in retrieved material and may reduce unsupported answers, but it does not eliminate hallucinations or guarantee data privacy.
RAG Design Considerations
1. Multi-Stage Chunking: Avoid uniform text splitting. Use document-aware chunking (hierarchical headers, table preservation) to maintain context boundaries.
2. Hybrid Search Indexing: Combine dense vector embeddings with sparse keyword search (BM25) to capture both semantic meaning and exact keyword references like product IDs.
3. Reranking Pipelines: Pass top retrieval candidates through specialized reranker models (e.g. Cohere Rerank) to filter out irrelevant context before prompting the LLM.
Access Controls and Evaluation
For applications with user-specific records, access checks should be part of the retrieval design so results can be limited to information the current user is authorized to see. Test these paths with representative roles and data before release.
Explore CODEEN service offerings related to this architectural guide:
Related Insights
Next.js App Router Performance: Practical Optimization Techniques
How Server Components, streaming, and caching can improve user-perceived performance, with results measured for each project.
SaaS Multi-Tenancy Architecture: Selecting the Right Database Strategy
Evaluating shared database / shared schema vs. separate database architectures for scaling modern B2B SaaS platforms.
Connecting Business Workflows with Automation and APIs
Practical strategies for connecting CRM data, internal databases, and AI endpoints to automate operational workflows.
Ready to build a website that sets you apart?
Whether launching a marketing site or building a custom web application, we can help plan and deliver the work around your requirements.