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How to Use Field Instructions to Improve AI Data Extraction
How to Use Field Instructions to Improve AI Data Extraction

Tips, Best Practices and Examples using Field instructions

Updated over 2 months ago

Field instructions are guidelines you provide to clarify the specific data that should be extracted or how the AI should interpret a field. These instructions help the AI better understand your requirements, leading to more accurate data extraction.

Field instructions also opens exciting new use cases beyond simple data extraction. Using instructions, you can use Parseur for advanced data analysis, document classification and sentiment analysis.

How to Add or Update Field Instructions

  1. Go to the Fields Section: Navigate to the “Fields” section in your mailbox, or open the “Fields” tab when viewing a specific document.

  2. Select the Field to Edit: Click on the “Edit” button next to the field name where you want to add or modify instructions.

  3. Enter Clear Instructions: In the “Instructions” input box, provide specific details that will help the AI process or extract the correct data for that field.

Example of a field with instructions

When Not to Use Instructions

The AI often understands what data to extract based on field names alone. If you are already getting accurate results without instructions, additional guidance may not be necessary.

In fact, overly detailed instructions can sometimes confuse the AI and reduce the quality of data parsing. Use instructions only when needed to clarify or refine the output.

When to Use Field Instructions

Scenario 1. Add Context to Clarify Data Extraction

When a field name could have multiple interpretations, provide instructions to specify exactly what information is needed.

  • Field Name: Vaccination

    • Instructions if you want the date: “Date of vaccination”

    • Instructions if you want the vaccine name: “Name of the vaccine”

Scenario 2. Restrict Extracted Values to a Fixed List of Choices (Document Classification)

If you need to categorize documents by specific types and want the AI to use only predefined values, provide a list of acceptable options.

  • Field Name: DocumentType

    • Instructions: “Possible values are Invoice, CreditNote, PurchaseOrder, Receipt, Other”

Scenario 3. Summarize a Document or a Section

If you receive lengthy documents and want to extract a concise summary for your database, use instructions to guide the summarization process.

  • Field Name: Summary

    • Instructions: “Summarize the content of this document in 2 sentences”

Scenario 4. Ask Specific Questions About Your Documents

For tasks like comparing insurance policies where details may vary significantly, use instructions to frame specific questions.

  • Field Name: building_structure_covered

    • Instructions: “Does this policy cover the building structure? Answer Yes or No.”

  • Field Name: building_structure_limit

    • Instructions: “What is the coverage limit for the building structures? Answer with the USD amount.”

  • Field Name: building_structure_exclusions

    • Instructions: “What are the exclusions for the building structure coverage?”

Scenario 5. Translate a Field into Another Language

If you receive input in multiple languages and want a consistent English version, provide translation instructions.

  • Field Name: lead_message_en

    • Instructions: “Lead Message (translated into English if required)”

Scenario 6: Perform Advanced Data Analysis, such as Sentiment Analysis

Leverage specific instructions to perform advanced Natural Language Processing (NLP) tasks, including sentiment analysis.

  • Field Name: message_sentiment

    • Instructions: “What is the overall sentiment of the user’s message? Respond with one of the following: HAPPY, NEUTRAL, or ANGRY.

  • Field Name: python_proficiency

    • Instructions: “Assess the candidate’s proficiency in Python. Respond with:

      • NONE for no experience

      • JUNIOR for 1-3 years of professional experience

      • SENIOR for 4-6 years of full-time experience

      • EXPERT for more than 6 years of dedicated, full-time experience.””

... and many more! By using field instructions strategically, you can significantly enhance the AI’s data extraction accuracy and open exciting new data analysis use cases.

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