To attain organizational success, knowledge management is a key aspect to focus on and skills in managing knowledge in the workplace becomes a key competence in today’s job market. It is crucial to understand more about knowledge management, why it’s beneficial for employees and organizations, and the knowledge management skills in IT you must have for your career success.
What is Knowledge Management?
Knowledge management refers to any system or process that helps members of an organization in sharing, accessing, and updating business knowledge and information. This ensures that any specialized knowledge of employees doesn’t leave with them or go unused by other employees who would benefit from that knowledge.
Now, why is knowledge management important to help an organization thrive? Here are some of the top benefits:
- Fewer mistakes: When employees share information with each other, previous work mistakes and failures can be avoided.
- Less time in recreating existing knowledge: When information is accurate and easier to access, the process of learning becomes more efficient; allowing employees to spend less time dealing with repetitive questions or tasks.
- More informed decision-making: With employees sharing their experiences, knowledge, and insights, they’ll be able to access, review, and evaluate those information before making decisions.
- Standardized processes: Keeping employees and departments on the same page through documented and shared information helps in ensuring everything’s being followed.
Knowledge Management Skills in IT
1. Document Management
As an IT professional, you must be knowledgeable in document management systems. These include Google Drive and Box which allow organizations to store, share, and access company documents on the cloud. These tools have tagging and metadata systems to make information easier to find.
2. Database Monitoring
To keep up with the fast-paced world we’re in, businesses need reliable databases to help pinpoint what changes are necessary by storing real-time data. Databases help organizations to track their progress, so employees with skills in database monitoring are helpful to spot trends to consider and areas to develop.
3. Data Warehousing
One way for a tech professional to come up with new ideas and present analytical reports more efficiently is to learn how to combine current and past data. Data warehousing helps in this case by saving data from various sources.
4. Social Networking
Social networking tools used for work allow teams to communicate and work together in a shared space. Aside from that, these platforms also serve as knowledge management systems as all historical conversations can be used to search for previously-discussed information. Tech employees specializing in this area are a great company asset.
5. Chatbot Programming
This tech helps not just in delivering quality customer service, but also in responding to employee questions and requests for information. IT experts who are skilled in this can help build chatbots using AI and machine learning.
While there are more skills you can learn and develop from knowledge management, these are the basic ones you must have to become a well-rounded IT professional.
For other guides like this to help you in your IT career, read more of our career guides and job search tips!