Smart Search and Virtual Assistant are two interrelated mechanisms which work together.
When you make a new search, FindHS.Codes tries to match your query phrase with the thousands of pre-defined HS Code class definitions designated by FindHS.Codes experts. If the system finds a suitable match, it displays the result as Smart Search result. For instance, let’s say that you’re looking for HS code of mobile phones. In that case you may search for any of the following phrases ending up with the same result which leads you to the HS Code for mobile phones:
- mobile phone
- smart phone
- cell phone
- cellular phone devices
Smart Search mechanism employs Artificial Intelligence methods which remarkably understands that all above phrases refer to the same product.
After the Smart Search mechanism, the Virtual Assistant takes over the process. The Virtual Assistant, which also employs Artificial Intelligence methods, processes the results derived from the smart search and assist/guide the user for the most suitable HS Code is to be found. As another example, let’s assume you’re searching for “cotton coat” HS Code. You may either search “cotton coat” or “coat made of cotton”, the smart search would come up with the same result. The Virtual Assistant starts guiding you afterwards. The mechanism first asks you whether the "cotton coat" is knitted/crocheted or not:
If your "cotton coat" is knitted/crocheted coat you need to select the first option (or the second option if it is neither knitted nor crocheted). Then the Virtual Assistant wants you to make another important selection: Whether the cotton coat is for babies or for adults.
The Virtual Assistant assists/guides you as explained above until you find the best suitable HS code for your product.
Artificial intelligence methods used within the Smart Search and Virtual Assistant mechanisms, allow users to search for more specific phrases. For instance, if the user searches for “knitted cotton coat for men” instead of “cotton coat”, the system would not want you to make any selection because it smartly knows that all required information is supplied by user. Hence, it presents the user with required HS Code, as shown below:
The Smart Search and Virtual Assistant mechanism, combined together, is the most powerful tool which helps users to easily find the correct HS Code.
You may try above queries to see how the system works in reality: