Knowledge Management
Does significant amounts of knowledge reside within individuals?
Is knowledge in your organization readily available to those that need it?
Have you identified critical processes and are they well documented?
Does your organization have a comprehensive process for managing information?
A significant component of your organization’s effectiveness is what the organization knows and how it leverages that knowledge. In today’s environment, top performing organizations are those that best capture, store, and distribute knowledge. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that over 80% of useful operating knowledge is not written down and resides within individuals. The AWWA Research Foundation estimates that over half of your workers will not be with you in 10 years. Both studies describe the large potential for loss of key operating knowledge and the need for knowledge management and retention. Utilities are facing an impending crisis due to this potential loss of knowledge.
In today’s information age, large volumes of information are being created every day in a wide range of formats. Numerous studies have shown that the average worker spends between 20-40% of their time searching for information. Information systems designed to help manage knowledge are not always compatible with existing systems, easy to use, or integrated throughout the organization. Productivity can be significantly improved by thoroughly organizing and integrating your information.
Our approach to Knowledge Management is based on the following principals:
- Knowledge Management practices should be easy to use and integrated into every day work practices.
- Knowledge Management should be a component of your strategic business plan and focused on the critical knowledge most important for achieving business goals.
- Knowledge Management should focus on people and process first. When appropriate, use technology to support these efforts.
- Your most valuable asset is the knowledge of your employees. The most valuable employee is one who shares information.
TAP Resource Development Group can assist you with the development and implementation of a Knowledge Management program that provides a focus on actionable results.