# Algolia Search for AI knowledge

Connect an AI function to an Algolia index so it can search your existing knowledge when answering questions.

*Release 3.3 · admin, developer*

**Settings › AI › Functions** · **Settings › AI › Features**

## What it is

**Algolia Search** lets an AI feature search content already held in your Algolia index. The AI sends a search question and receives matching records to use in its answer. You maintain the indexed content in Algolia.

## Who uses it and why

Administrators decide which knowledge an AI feature should use. Developers connect the correct Algolia application and index, check credentials and verify that searches return suitable content.

## Where to find it

Open **Settings › AI › Functions** and create a **Knowledge Base** function. Choose **Algolia Search** under **Knowledge Base Type**. Use **Settings › AI › Features** to make the function available to the relevant feature.

The **Settings** role with **AI** permission, or the **Developer** role, grants configuration access.

## How it works

1. An AI feature calls its configured search function with a question.
2. INSIDE searches the selected Algolia index using the connection credentials and requested match count.
3. The matching records return to the AI feature, which can use them when composing its answer.
4. Where configured, the feature attaches source and citation information to the answer.

This search connection does not synchronise CRM contacts, cases or tickets.

## Configure it

Create a **Knowledge Base** function with a clear **Name** and **Description**. Select **Algolia Search**, then complete **App ID**, **API Key** and **Index Name** with details supplied by the person managing your Algolia account.

Set **Hits per Page** explicitly. Leave the function **Enabled**, save it and add it to the intended AI feature. Select a **Knowledge Source** if you want a recognisable source name beside answers.

Ask Powerfront to assess a connection to Zendesk, Dynamics, Oracle or Salesforce knowledge. These services are not choices in this release's standard **Knowledge Base Type** menu.

### Settings

| Setting | Where | Applies to | Default | Who can change it | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enabled | Settings › AI › Functions | website | On for a new function | Settings role, Developer role | Makes this function eligible for authorised AI use on the website. |
| Knowledge Base Type | Settings › AI › Functions | website | Weaviate in the editor; no search type is assumed if never saved | Settings role, Developer role | Selects the search provider for this function; choose Algolia Search to search an Algolia index. |
| Hits per Page | Settings › AI › Functions | website | Not set in the editor; 0 when omitted | Settings role, Developer role | Sets how many matches to request from Algolia. Enter a positive count explicitly; INSIDE supplies no positive fallback. |
| Knowledge Source | Settings › AI › Functions | website | None | Settings role, Developer role | Assigns a source name to this function's search results for citations. |

### Fields

| Field | Where | Required | What it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Settings › AI › Functions | Yes | Names the search function that you make available to an AI feature. |
| Description | Settings › AI › Functions | No | Explains what information the function searches and when it should be used. |
| App ID | Settings › AI › Functions | Yes | Identifies the Algolia application containing your index. |
| API Key | Settings › AI › Functions | Yes | Supplies the Algolia credential used for searches. |
| Index Name | Settings › AI › Functions | Yes | Identifies the Algolia index to search. |

### Permissions

| Permission | Lets you |
|---|---|
| AI | With the Settings role, allows management of AI functions and features. |
| Developer | Allows management of AI functions and features. |

## Limits and good to know

- Searches use the configured Algolia credentials. Choose an index and credential suitable for the information your AI feature may disclose.
- Content updates and indexing happen in Algolia. This connection searches that index rather than uploading a separate copy of all its articles.
- A successful search does not guarantee that the AI will cite every returned record or use it in its answer.
- CRM connection setup does not by itself create an AI knowledge search function.

## Depends on and works with

### This feature uses

- **Requires** [AI functions and required inputs](AI-016.md): The connector runs through an enabled and authorised AI function.
- **Configured in** [AI feature settings and change history](AI-001.md): The AI feature selects which search functions it can use.
- **Configured in** [AI result processor templates](AI-040.md): The function's selected Result Processor and mode control how successful Algolia results are transformed.
- **Configured in** [Knowledge sources behind AI citations](AIP-012.md): The function's selected Knowledge Source record supplies the name associated with Algolia results.
- **Works better with** [AI answer citations and summaries](AI-028.md): Answers can include citations to retrieved results where citation handling is configured.
- **Related** [Knowledge Base connections for AI](AIP-009.md): Algolia is one of the search services available through a Knowledge Base function.

### Used by

- **Configures** [AI knowledge and web search](AI-017.md): Algolia function settings select the application, index and result count.
- **Enhances** [Knowledge Base connections for AI](AIP-009.md): Algolia provides another search service for Knowledge Base functions.
- **Enhances** [Knowledge sources behind AI citations](AIP-012.md): Algolia searches can supply cited knowledge records.

## FAQ and troubleshooting

### Why does the AI never search Algolia?

Check that the function is **Enabled** and available to the intended AI feature. Make its **Description** specific enough to explain when the AI should search it.

### Why are searches failing or returning nothing?

Check **App ID**, **API Key**, **Index Name** and **Hits per Page**. Confirm that the credential can search the index and that the expected content is present there.

### Can I choose Zendesk or Salesforce in the same menu?

They are not offered in the standard selector in this release. Ask Powerfront to confirm whether an appropriate knowledge connection can be supported for your setup.

### How do I show a useful source name?

Create a source in **Settings › AI › Knowledge Sources**, then select it under **Knowledge Source** on the function. The AI feature also needs citation handling to show supporting evidence.