Purchasing resources for Knowledge Management Software

Learning knowledge management software basics will help you make the most of your company’s most critical intellectual capital--the information possessed by employees. Knowledge management is the distribution and maintenance of critical information and knowledge possessed by individuals.

The primary function of knowledge management software is to efficiently transform personal intelligence into company knowledge by providing an application that can be used to make information accessible to authorized users. Consider the following tips to help you learn the knowledge management software basics.

1. Research how knowledge management systems should function.
2. Learn how to prepare your company for knowledge management software.
3. Consult with providers of knowledge management software.
   

Determine why businesses use knowledge management software

Using knowledge management software should help you create a learning environment within your organization. One of the benefits of this is that knowledge is owned by the company, not individuals. For example, if an employee leaves the company or transfers from a specific department, the skills and knowledge about that particular job function is retrievable using a knowledge management system. The ideal knowledge management solution will provide a centralized location for knowledge generation, storage and distribution.

Learn best practices for implementing KM software solutions

Purchasing knowledge management software is just one step of many to create an effective knowledge management process within your company. In addition to software purchases, a cultural change must occur--one that changes the way management and staff store, manage and generate data for the benefit of the company as a whole. Successful implementation of a knowledge management system requires companywide buy-in and support from management and staff.

Get advice from providers of knowledge management software

Consulting with providers of knowledge management software can help you gain a better understanding of software features and customization options. Discussing your company objectives and current processes with knowledge management software vendors can also help you obtain best practices about software application features that worked best for companies with similar business operations.

• One of the most important factors in successful implementation of a knowledge management software system is how your staff and management will use the system. It may be a good idea to have staff and management attend training sessions or seminars to help them learn more about the principles of knowledge management and how knowledge management software is used to carry out those principles.