Central Knowledge Farm - The Knowledge Warehouse
- Dr. Moria Levy
- Sep 30, 2000
- 2 min read
The Central Knowledge Farm - The Knowledge Warehouse. The central knowledge farm has additional names. Some refer to it as an organizational "portal" (due to its front-end interface), while others call it a "knowledge management infrastructure," and the names are many and varied.
What is the essence of a knowledge farm? A kind of large, computerized library from which knowledge can be extracted (explicit, not tacit!) primarily using Pull technology.
Why establish knowledge farms?
Because there is much explicit knowledge that is not easily retrievable using the methods by which it is currently stored.
Because there is a desire to distribute explicit knowledge among a distributed organization that does not have access to the standard data network.
There are, however, subjects where, in terms of cost-benefit analysis, it is not worthwhile to invest in a dedicated knowledge solution.
What are the main problems that arise in establishing knowledge farms?
Data duplication. The knowledge "candidate" for storage in the knowledge farm is usually already stored elsewhere. Copying it to the knowledge farm as well contains the standard dangers of inconsistency, especially when updating existing content.
Ongoing database updates. Since this is not a dedicated knowledge solution for a specific subject, there is usually no single work process through which content is added and updated. Therefore, it is difficult to integrate into the routine work process, which would enable ensuring adequate currency even beyond the initial establishment.
Access to knowledge and its use. Since knowledge is located on the farm and access to it is mostly Pull-based, there is a problem in ensuring the use of accumulated knowledge when it is needed.
Knowledge inflation. Excess knowledge can lead to the non-use of knowledge altogether. Knowledge filtering, on the other hand, requires constant overhead on employees. A mechanism must be developed that allows for filtering with minimal overhead to ensure employees' willingness to utilize the knowledge.
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