Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG): How to Build Smarter AI

If you’ve spent any time around AI recently, you’ve probably heard the term "RAG" thrown around. It’s not a tattered cloth or a jazz tune this time, it stands for Retrieval Augmented Generation, and it’s a powerful way to make your chatbot a whole lot smarter.

What is Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)?

RAG combines the power of a large language model (LLM) with real-time access to external data. Instead of relying only on what the AI was trained on, a RAG system lets the model "look up" relevant information before generating a response, making it more accurate and useful.

Why is it important?

Language models like ChatGPT are incredibly powerful, but they don’t always get things right. They can generate outdated or incorrect answers, especially when the questions involve recent events or specialised company knowledge.

RAG helps solve this. It enables the chatbot to fact-check itself by consulting live, trusted data sources before responding. Imagine ChatGPT with up-to-date knowledge of your company’s internal documents, policies, or customer data. That’s the difference RAG makes.

How does it work?

Here’s the basic difference:

• Without RAG: The AI generates responses based only on its training data.

• With RAG: The AI first retrieves relevant information from a connected data source (like a database, spreadsheet, or knowledge base), then uses that information to generate a more grounded, accurate response.

The retrieval step ensures the AI has the latest, most relevant context which is especially useful in business settings where accuracy matters.

How can CSV Getter support RAG requirements?

CSV Getter makes it easy to build a RAG-powered assistant by connecting your data sources or live spreadsheets like Airtable, Notion, or Google Sheets to OpenAI.

Here is a quick example of how it works.

1. Connect a live source or database to CSV Getter

Google Sheets is a great place for updating data.

2. Open Nina in CSV Getter

Nina is your own OpenAI assistant, ready to connect to your data

3. Easily import your latest data to Nina

4. Nina gives intelligent answers

Try it out yourself by signing up. You can also get in touch with your questions at info@csvgetter.com