Knowledge Bases Reference Manual

Knowledge Bases provide semantic search infrastructure that transforms organizational content into queryable knowledge repositories, enabling AI assistants to access and utilize specific organizational knowledge through retrieval‑augmented generation workflows. They serve as the operational interface between processed content and intelligent applications requiring contextual information.

Table of contents

• Getting Started
• Practical Scenarios
• Architectural Purpose
• Technical Architecture
• Content Organization Framework
• Search Operation Types
• Implementation Patterns
• Operational Considerations
• Development Resources

Getting Started

• Create a KB: Create Knowledge Base
• Prepare sources: Data Sources (Confluence, Google Drive, S3, Web Page, Data Lake, Custom)
• Configure storage: Configure Data Lake if using object storage ingestion
• Manage and update: Manage Knowledge Base
• Connect to apps: use Retrievers and Assistants

Practical Scenarios

• Policy and procedures KB (enterprise internal): centralize HR/IT/Legal docs with strong citations.

  • Build steps: connect sources via Data Sources → Create Knowledge Base → validate retrieval with golden questions → attach via Create Retriever.

• Product documentation KB (support): ground agent answers on manuals and FAQs.

  • Build steps: ingest docs (S3/Drive/Confluence) → Create Knowledge Base → tune chunking/metadata → link to a support Assistant.

• Hybrid catalog KB (structured + unstructured): combine product attributes (structured) with descriptions/reviews (unstructured).

  • Build steps: prepare structured columns and unstructured text → create a Hybrid KB in Create Knowledge Base → expose filters in your Retriever.

• Analytics RAG KB: enable semantic exploration of reports and wiki knowledge.

  • Build steps: prepare embeddings via Pipelines or Data Lake + loaders → Create Knowledge Base → test relevance and latency; integrate with an Assistant.

Architectural Purpose

Knowledge Bases function as the semantic search layer that converts static content collections into dynamic, queryable resources supporting AI applications with contextual understanding capabilities. They implement vector-based similarity search combined with metadata filtering to provide relevant information for language model context enhancement.

System Integration Framework

Gen AI Builder Pipeline Position Knowledge Bases occupy the critical position between content processing and application consumption within the AI Factory ecosystem:

Libraries → Knowledge Bases → Retrievers → Assistants → Applications
    ↓              ↓             ↓           ↓            ↓
Content       Semantic      Search      Context      User
Processing    Indexing    Operations  Integration  Experience

Infrastructure Integration

• Vector Engine: Leverages PostgreSQL-based vector storage for high-performance semantic search operations
• Libraries: Consumes processed content with embedded vectors and enriched metadata
• AI Accelerator Pipelines: Utilizes embedding models for semantic indexing and content transformation
• Model Serving: Accesses language models for query understanding and response generation

Technical Architecture

Vector Storage Framework

Semantic Indexing Knowledge Bases implement sophisticated vector storage that captures semantic meaning through high-dimensional embeddings generated by specialized language models optimized for organizational content characteristics.

Storage Optimization Vector storage utilizes PostgreSQL's native vector capabilities through the Vector Engine, providing enterprise-grade performance, scalability, and reliability while maintaining comprehensive query capabilities and operational management features.

Search Capabilities

Similarity Algorithms Knowledge Bases implement multiple similarity measurement approaches including cosine similarity, euclidean distance, and hybrid scoring mechanisms that combine semantic understanding with organizational priority factors.

Query Processing Pipeline Search operations follow systematic processing that optimizes result relevance while maintaining computational efficiency:

1. Query Vectorization: User queries transformed into semantic embeddings using organizational embedding models
2. Similarity Computation: Vector similarity calculations across indexed content collections
3. Metadata Filtering: Result refinement based on access controls, content classification, and organizational policies
4. Relevance Ranking: Multi-factor scoring incorporating semantic similarity, content recency, and source authority
5. Context Assembly: Result selection and formatting optimized for language model context integration

Content Organization Framework

Indexing Strategies

Content Segmentation Knowledge Bases implement intelligent content chunking that preserves semantic coherence while optimizing for retrieval granularity and language model context windows.

Hierarchical Organization Content structure preservation maintains document relationships, section hierarchies, and cross-reference connections enabling comprehensive information discovery and accurate source attribution.

Metadata Integration

Classification Systems Comprehensive metadata frameworks support organizational classification schemes including content types, access levels, subject classifications, and temporal relevance indicators.

Access Control Integration Metadata-based access control ensures appropriate information exposure aligned with organizational security policies and user permission frameworks.

Search Operation Types

Semantic Search

Vector Similarity Pure semantic search operations identify content based on conceptual similarity regardless of keyword matching, enabling discovery of relevant information through meaning rather than literal text matching.

Contextual Understanding Advanced semantic search incorporates conversation context, user intent, and organizational domain knowledge for enhanced relevance and accuracy in information discovery.

Hybrid Search Operations

Combined Approaches Hybrid search strategies integrate vector similarity with traditional keyword matching, metadata filtering, and organizational priority factors for optimal balance between semantic understanding and precise information retrieval.

Performance Optimization Intelligent query routing selects optimal search strategies based on query characteristics, content types, and performance requirements ensuring consistent response times while maximizing result relevance.

Filtered Search

Metadata-Based Filtering Advanced filtering capabilities enable precise content selection based on organizational classification, access permissions, content recency, and source credibility indicators.

Dynamic Filtering Context-aware filtering adjusts search scope based on user roles, conversation context, and organizational policies ensuring appropriate information exposure while maintaining comprehensive coverage.

Performance Characteristics

Scalability Framework

Horizontal Scaling Knowledge Base architecture supports horizontal scaling across multiple PostgreSQL instances while maintaining search consistency and performance characteristics through intelligent load distribution.

Query Optimization Advanced query planning optimizes search operations for response time consistency across growing content volumes through intelligent indexing strategies and caching mechanisms.

Resource Management

Memory Optimization Vector storage optimization balances comprehensive content coverage with memory efficiency through intelligent indexing strategies and storage compression techniques.

Computational Efficiency Search operations optimize computational resource utilization through intelligent query planning, result caching, and parallel processing capabilities.

Quality Assurance

Content Quality Management

Ingestion Validation Systematic content validation during knowledge base creation ensures information accuracy, completeness, and appropriate formatting for optimal search effectiveness.

Ongoing Quality Assessment Continuous monitoring of search effectiveness and content quality supports systematic improvement through performance analytics and user feedback integration.

Search Effectiveness

Relevance Monitoring Comprehensive assessment of search result relevance supports continuous optimization through systematic analysis of user interactions, feedback patterns, and task completion rates.

Performance Tracking Detailed performance monitoring tracks search response times, result accuracy, and resource utilization patterns supporting capacity planning and optimization decisions.

Implementation Patterns

Enterprise Knowledge Systems

Organizations implement comprehensive knowledge bases that unify diverse content sources while maintaining appropriate access controls and organizational governance requirements.

Unified Access Architecture

• Cross-departmental content integration through centralized knowledge base infrastructure
• Role-based access control ensuring appropriate information exposure
• Comprehensive audit trails supporting compliance and operational oversight
• Performance optimization supporting concurrent access and organizational scalability

Specialized Domain Applications

Domain-specific implementations optimize knowledge bases for particular industries or use cases requiring specialized content organization and search characteristics.

Domain Optimization Features

• Industry-specific embedding models optimized for domain terminology and concepts
• Specialized metadata schemas supporting domain-specific classification and organization
• Regulatory compliance integration ensuring industry-specific requirement adherence
• Performance optimization for domain-specific query patterns and content characteristics

Multi-Modal Knowledge Integration

Advanced implementations coordinate knowledge across diverse content types including documents, structured data, and multimedia resources while maintaining unified search experiences.

Cross-Modal Capabilities

• Content type optimization ensuring appropriate handling across diverse media formats
• Unified search interfaces providing consistent access across different information types
• Performance optimization supporting diverse content processing and retrieval requirements
• Quality assurance procedures ensuring consistent results across content modalities

Operational Considerations

Deployment Management

Configuration Management Knowledge Base deployment requires systematic configuration management ensuring consistent search behavior across development, staging, and production environments while supporting organizational governance requirements.

Update Procedures Content updates require coordinated index maintenance ensuring search effectiveness remains optimal while minimizing service disruption during content refresh operations.

Maintenance Framework

Index Optimization Regular maintenance procedures ensure optimal search performance through index rebuilding, vector optimization, and storage consolidation supporting system efficiency and user experience.

Content Synchronization Systematic procedures coordinate content updates from Libraries with knowledge base refresh operations ensuring information currency while maintaining search performance characteristics.

Development Resources

Configuration Procedures

Knowledge Base Setup

• Create Knowledge Base: Comprehensive knowledge base creation and configuration procedures
• Manage Knowledge Bases: Ongoing management and optimization techniques
• Hybrid Search Best Practices: Advanced configuration for optimal search effectiveness

Integration Documentation

System Connectivity

• Library Integration: Content source configuration and processing optimization
• Retriever Integration: Search interface configuration and optimization
• Assistant Integration: Knowledge base utilization within conversational systems

Technical Reference

• Vector Store Drivers: Technical implementation details
• Embedding Integration: Semantic indexing configuration
• RAG Engine Reference: Advanced retrieval-augmented generation implementation

Knowledge Bases transform static organizational content into dynamic, intelligent resources that enable AI applications to provide contextually relevant, accurate responses grounded in specific organizational knowledge while maintaining appropriate access controls and performance characteristics.