« Change Strategies are the Key to KM | Main | Hard Copy v. Electronic Research »
November 16, 2003
Dilbert knows KM
Creating a KM database isn't difficult. The technology is common, the tools are abundant. Of course, it takes thought and care. But after you've launched, that's when the real problem begins - maintenance. How do you keep the data current? If you've ever experienced this dilema, you'll enjoy a Dilbert cartoon from last week that pretty much says it all.
There aren't any easy answers. But I do have a few suggestions.
Think about how the data will be maintained in the planning stages of your project. You may want to reconsider creating a database if there is no apparent mechanism for updating the data.
Try to make your database part of the natural workflow. Is there anyone in your organization that's keeping track of this information, perhaps in another form? Then make sure your application can substitute for any other data stores out there by building in the appropriate functionality, and draft that person to keep the data current. Don't duplicate data being maintained in another location if at all possible. That's a sure path to stale and inaccurate information.
Watch for ways to mine the data automatically. For example, can expertise be extracted based on documents created by a particular attorney?
Don't let your databases languish and your hard work go to waste! Plan ahead!
Comments
Post a comment
Thanks for signing in, . Now you can comment. (sign out)
(If you haven't left a comment here before, you may need to be approved by the site owner before your comment will appear. Until then, it won't appear on the entry. Thanks for waiting.)
