9.3 Knowledge Management



Knowledge Management comprises a range of strategies and practices used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. Such insights and experiences comprise knowledge, either embodied in individuals or embedded in organizational processes or practice. (from Wikipedia)

...collect all the information that these folks have in their heads and try and put it in one spot.
--Stacy Gallick, Johnson County, KS

HU-12
The ability of an organization to manage its knowledge can be another key to the successful implementation of an Asset Management program. Often we find that the knowledge present in the organization is either inaccessible because it is buried in layers of paper or computer data or it resides only in the minds of individuals. Knowledge management can be as simple as up-to-date maintenance manuals or as complex as cross-training all employees in all aspects of operations. What kinds of techniques you employ will be determined by the size of your utility, your resources, and your determination to create a robust and independent knowledge base.

Knowledge is an asset, no less important than the physical assets you own. And, just as with any asset you own, it is important to classify your knowledge assets. Generally, knowledge can be said to be one of two types: explicit and tacit. It might also be helpful to classify this distinction as external and internal. Explicit (or external) knowledge is generally data-based. That is, it consists of facts, figures, procedures, business plans, financial information, customer lists, even your Asset Management plan itself. These kinds of things can, and should, be written down, kept up-to-date, and made accessible to everyone in your organization. This "writing" can be in paper form or electronic, but must be accessible.

Make it a priority and make everything else aligned to that.
--Biju George, Cincinnati, OH

HU-13
In terms of external knowledge, your knowledge management plan should consist, at a minimum, of the following:
  • A complete inventory of assets
  • Maps showing the exact location of all assets
  • Your Level of Service Agreement
  • Maintenance manuals on assets you own
  • Operating Procedures--standard, alternate and emergency
  • Maintenance schedules and procedures
  • Procedures for updating all of the above
  • A history of maintenance on all assets (to the extent that it is known)
  • A written Capital Improvement Plan
  • A written Repair and Replacement Schedule
  • Your rate schedule and the basis and rationale for the rates