One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/zilliztech/milvus-marketplace --skill rerank
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: rerank
Source: https://github.com/zilliztech/milvus-marketplace/tree/main/plugins/core/skills/rerank
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/zilliztech/milvus-marketplace --skill rerank

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

This skill improves the relevance of search results by reranking initial results with a cross-encoder.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Second-stage ranking: Use cross-encoder reordering to refine top-K results after an initial vector search.
  • Flexible integration: Works with existing pipelines (RAG, semantic search) to boost precision without rebuilding recall.
  • Use Case: When initial results are broad, apply rerank to surface the most relevant documents for a query like "What is Milvus?".

Quick Start

Use the rerank skill to re-order the top-K results from a vector search by applying a cross-encoder re-ranker model to the candidate docs.

Frequently Asked Questions about rerank

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I improve search result relevance with reranking?

Reranking improves search relevance by applying a cross-encoder model to reorder top-K results from an initial vector search. This two-stage approach combines fast recall with high-precision refinement, commonly used in semantic search and RAG pipelines to surface the most relevant documents for a query.

Can I use reranking with my existing vector search pipeline?

Yes, reranking integrates flexibly into existing pipelines without rebuilding recall. It works as a second-stage refinement after vector search, using sentence_transformers and a Milvus client to reorder candidate results and boost precision.

What's the best way to set up reranking for semantic search?

Set up reranking by passing top-K results from your vector search to a cross-encoder model via sentence_transformers. The skill requires Python, a Milvus client connection, and optionally GPU acceleration to reorder candidates by relevance score before returning final results.

When should I use cross-encoder reranking instead of vector search alone?

Use cross-encoder reranking when initial vector search results are broad and you need higher precision. It's ideal for RAG systems and semantic search where a fast first pass must be refined to surface only the most relevant documents for your query.

Do I need GPU acceleration for reranking with cross-encoders?

GPU acceleration is optional but speeds up cross-encoder inference during reranking. Without GPU, reranking runs on CPU; the choice depends on your latency requirements and available hardware for the refinement stage.

How does reranking work with Milvus vector search results?

Reranking takes top-K results retrieved from Milvus via vector search and applies a cross-encoder model to score and reorder them by relevance. This two-stage process leverages Milvus for fast recall and cross-encoders for precise ranking.