The tasks of knowledge management are the identification, organization, storage and dissemination of knowledge. As is well known, knowledge is power! With knowledge management and a good knowledge transfer, a company succeeds in using this power. Data and the resulting knowledge have long been considered the new oil. It is extremely valuable and if it is not accessible or only with difficulty for a company, this is therefore associated with enormous costs or potential loss of profit. For this very reason, it is elementary that a company deals with the topic of knowledge management.

Definition: data, information, knowledge

To guarantee the success of knowledge management, it is important to understand that a distinction must first be made between data, information and knowledge.

Data are information units broken down.

Information is data that is stored in a complex level in a context. They can be compared to a flow of messages. Information that results from data networking is very valuable for companies. This is where the keyword data economy comes in. Good to know: You can trade with information, but not with knowledge.

Knowledge is created when existing information is linked together. Information is only transformed into knowledge through context, background knowledge and “human” thinking. In short, to gain knowledge, information must be processed. Knowledge is priceless, but it increases when it is shared. This makes it all the more important to break down data silos in order to share the knowledge stored in them in a targeted manner.

Explicit vs implicit Knowledge

The term knowledge also needs to be subdivided again at this point.

Explicit knowledge

Explicit knowledge is documented knowledge. This includes tangible knowledge in the form of work instructions, documented processes, reports or even graphics and drawings.

Implicit knowledge

Implicit knowledge primarily includes skills and experience. It is directly attributable to employees and is difficult to store or share.

What are the methods and steps of knowledge management?

Step 1: Identify knowledge

For optimal knowledge management, it is now necessary to identify and locate knowledge. In order to identify knowledge, an organization has to search where, which knowledge is available and stored. This includes already documented knowledge (often hidden in data) as well as knowledge in the heads of employees.

Step 2: Organize and store knowledge

There are many different approaches to organizing and then storing knowledge. From physical binders to virtual folder structures. In this type of organization, information and knowledge are collected. So-called data silos are often created.

Step 3: Disseminate knowledge

Now the knowledge must be made accessible and disseminated. Only in this way can it be used effectively and gain value. At this point, it is desirable to connect the data silos with each other in order to make all the information they contain and the associated knowledge optimally accessible. A perfect solution for this is Databrain Sherlock more information is available here.

Summary:

In order to optimally apply knowledge management and to drive it forward in the company, it is necessary to be aware of the company’s goals. An inventory serves to discuss existing tools, traditional, but also technical, the needs of the company, but also the employees. Now it is possible to decide on the optimal knowledge management software. The advantage of Sherlock is that it can be adapted to the needs of the customer with maximum flexibility. Use cases from supply chain management, the automotive industry, but also from mechanical engineering show how adaptable Databrain Sherlock is.