7 Knowledge Management Tools Every Business Needs
7 Essential Tools for Knowledge Management
Knowledge management is defined as the process of creating, sharing, utilizing, and managing the information of an organization. Knowledge management is commonly abbreviated as KM and KM tools is the abbreviation used for knowledge management tools.
The best knowledge management tools can supply businesses with significant benefits. One noteworthy benefit that KM tools provide businesses is the ability to organize and categorize knowledge bases that are incredibly complex.
As technology rapidly develops, KM tools are increasingly more advanced. However, regardless of how technologically advanced they are, knowledge management tools must make sure to address the fundamental needs of KM.
7 knowledge management tools for businesses to invest in and implement include-
1. Content Repository
A content repository is a management tool that allows users to not only manage knowledge but also to share it. Many businesses previously utilized document management software as their primary KM repository tool.
Contemporarily, businesses are increasingly utilizing knowledge management tools that are able to handle diverse content sources. For example, beyond document management capabilities a firm may want to manage social media or website content.
An example of a knowledge management tool commonly utilized for repository purposes is cloud based content management systems.
2. Text Search
The ability to utilize text search capabilities can majorly simplify the knowledge management process. Text search abilities supply employees with an easy use self service portal to search for specific knowledge.
Thankfully, a text search function is typically included within content repository software. However, there are many different types of text search self portal tools and they are not all created equal.
As such, identifying and implementing the best text search tool often requires a careful evaluation of specific business needs and wants. Many businesses prefer a search tool that can search across various data sources.
Examples of different data sources include enterprise content management and customer relationship management software systems.
3. Communication
Communication tools are critical for a wide range of business operations. As such, it is unsurprising that great communication tools help with knowledge management systems.
The best tools for communication help not only to communicate knowledge but also to capture the knowledge produced via conversation. KM tools for communication range from live chat to email address correspondences.
Unified communications tools allow the integration of business communications in one place in order to supply a centralized user experience. While there are real time technologically advanced KM tools available there are also collaboration tools like whiteboards that are not information technology based.
4. Socialization
There are specific knowledge management tools available that simplify and streamline the socialization of knowledge. These social features are commonly available in core enterprise software solutions.
Core enterprise solutions with social features built in may range from customer relationship management to enterprise content management software.
5. Visualization
Different people learn best in different ways. While some employees may learn best from hearing information others learn better visually. Visualization tools allow for the visual communication of knowledge.
While most organizational knowledge is communicated via 2D representations, 3D representations are becoming more popular. Even though knowledge visualization is a newer KM tool it holds outstanding potential.
6. Decision Making
Some KM tools are especially helpful for decision making in the workplace. Decision support tools are utilized to help business professionals with important decision making.
Decision support tools supply the ability to search through a vast knowledge base in real time through a cloud based self service portal. As a result, decision support tools help business professionals make sure they are making the most informed decisions possible.
Access to the best knowledge attainable assists with business decision making initiatives that may range from project management to customer service choices.
7. Big Data
Big data is a category of KM tools that can store, manage, and explore a knowledge base that is extensive. For businesses that possess knowledge bases that are large, big data tools can serve as an invaluable resource.
Many organizations utilize big data KM tools in order to locate knowledge within both structured and unstructured data. An example of unstructured data would include conversations and an example of structured data would include data based tables.
Key Takeaways for Knowledge Management Tools
- There are many knowledge management software tools for business professionals to investigate.
- The best knowledge management software tools include communication tools for team members and text search self service platforms.
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