Introduction
The Similar Entity Search feature is a powerful tool for formulators, enabling efficient identification and comparison of raw materials. By leveraging this functionality, formulators can quickly find alternative ingredients with similar attributes, streamline the formulation process, and ensure product consistency. This feature enhances decision-making, reduces trial and error, and facilitates compliance with regulatory and quality standards, ultimately leading to more efficient and innovative product development.
Use Case: Similar Ingredients Search
Overview of Attributes
Attributes are characteristics of the ingredients stored on the platform. These can include cost, regulatory, and various physical/chemical properties of an ingredient. The attributes would typically serve as criteria based on which you will look for similar ingredients. To view the different attributes associated with a specific raw material, open the raw material and browse through its available attributes.
Using the Similar Entity Search Function
- Navigate to Inputs:
- Go to the Inputs/Outputs section and select Inputs. Remain on the Ingredients tab.
- Access the Similar Entity Search:
- Click the List option and open the Views menu.
- Select the Similar entity search option.
Example of Replacing an Ingredient
- Review Attributes:
- Examine the attributes of the ingredient you wish to replace.
- Define Columns:
- Define all columns in the list using the set columns option. It is recommended that you set up the Ingredient → ID column, as well as the Category Column to start.
- Specify the attributes of interest, which can include both search criteria and informative attributes. The distinction will be made later in the define search side panel.
- Manage Search Criteria and Start Search:
- These columns will appear in the table and on the right side as available search columns. At the top you will observe the values for the target ingredient.
- Choose whether to include or exclude attributes by clicking on the red icon next to the attribute name and assign weight based on the importance of the search criteria.
- Once you are ready – click on the Start Search button.
- Interpreting Your Results + Save and Export:
- The search has now generated a ranked list with the target ingredient at the top, and a new score column, corresponding to the similarities as specified by the search criteria (lower score is closer to the target entity).
- Save your list to a notebook or export it as an Excel spreadsheet for further analysis by selecting list and the relevant option from the dropdown.
- Save any views and set up preset tabs as needed. Refer to the relevant support article for more information.