Configure and query hierarchical facets using delimited multi-level fields

Goal

How can I use hierarchical facet fields in Fusion 5 to support nested filtering in Predictive Merchandiser, including data transformation steps, indexing format, and facet query syntax?

Environment

Fusion 5.9.12
Self-hosted on Amazon EKS
Data indexed using SharePoint connector
Facets tested in Predictive Merchandiser

Guide

Prepare hierarchical data using delimited levels

To enable hierarchical facets in Predictive Merchandiser, facet field values must be indexed using a structured, depth-prefixed format. This format requires:

• A multi-valued field

• Level-indicating numeric prefixes (0, 1, 2, etc.)

• A consistent delimiter, typically a colon (:)

• Optional leaf-node value separated by a pipe (|) for display ID mapping

Example input field (raw from SharePoint)

"test_s": "Country:I:India;Country:U:United States"

This must be transformed into a multi-valued field for proper hierarchical parsing.

Transformed output (multi-valued format)

"test_s": [
  "0:Country",
  "1:Country:I",
  "1:Country:U",
  "2:Country:I:India",
  "2:Country:U:United States"
]

Apply similar transformation to other hierarchical fields as needed. Ensure:

• Each level has a depth prefix

• The delimiter between categories is colon :

• The final leaf item may include a |ID if required

Apply facet templates in Rules

1. Navigate to Rules > Templates

2. Add the transformed field (e.g., test_s)

3. Set the hierarchical delimiter to : in the configuration

4. Publish the rule to make the facet available

Test facet behavior in Predictive Merchandiser

Once the field is properly indexed and the rule is applied:

• Navigate to Predictive Merchandiser

• Enable the facet field

• Verify the hierarchical structure renders as expected

• If necessary, validate that your facet levels are correctly parsed

If the UI does not render a hierarchy:

• Ensure that values are indexed as multi-valued

• Confirm depth prefixes and delimiter formatting are consistent

• Use the query workbench for direct field inspection

Query syntax for hierarchical facets

Hierarchical facets use standard Solr facet queries but require structured filtering when values are selected.

Example: Selecting a second-level facet (e.g., "women > pants")

fq=category_ss:"1/women/pants"

Matching descendants

If child levels should be included, use a prefix or wildcard filter:

fq=category_ss:"1/women/pants*" 

Or:

fq=category_ss:("1/women/pants" OR "2/women/pants/jeans")