There is a significant overlap in the relationship between knowledge management and technology, especially information technology. A clear and exact understanding of the role of technology in the knowledge management (KM) field enables you to use the appropriate technologies in this field easily and more efficiently.
What is the role of technology in knowledge management?
Technology plays an essential role in the field of knowledge management. Technology is the tool that enables knowledge management to complete its different processes and provide its services to the target audience.
This article will guide you and provide more detail about the role of technology in the knowledge management field. Also, it will show examples of some technology that plays a significant and essential role in knowledge management.
Table of Contents
Main Concepts of Knowledge Management
First, let us briefly clarify some of the key concepts of knowledge management.
Knowledge Management Definition:
Knowledge management is defined as the process of capturing, distributing, and using knowledge effectively. This is one of the best definitions of knowledge management.
Main Knowledge Management Processes:
From the definition, the main Knowledge Management processes include capturing, distributing, and using knowledge effectively.
These are the essential concepts this article will rely on to clarify technology’s role in knowledge management.
Here we must note that there are many definitions of knowledge management, but all have the same concept.
Also, knowledge management processes differ from others in some literature because some literature introduces knowledge management processes in more detail and others define primary operations and sub-operations. For example, some consider the process of storing knowledge as one of the leading knowledge management processes. In contrast, others think it is a subsidiary process related to the operation of knowledge capturing.
For more detailed information about knowledge management processes, you can read the Knowledge Management Processes article.
The relation between Technology and knowledge management:
This relation is similar to the link between tools and the mind. For example, the reason uses the tools to transfer and explain the idea. Knowledge management at this point uses technology for the transfer and exchange of knowledge.
Because of this relation, technology plays a significant role in knowledge management. So, when there is any technology development, it dramatically affects various knowledge management processes. For example, this is shown in the illustrations below.
This is the overall effect of technology in the KM field. In the following sections, the role of technology in knowledge management will be explained in more detail. Let’s go!
The role of information technology in knowledge management
Information technology (IT) is considered one of the most important types of technology that plays a significant and essential role in knowledge management. It is clear from the name (Information Technology) how IT is related to knowledge management.
The development of information technology has significantly contributed to the effectiveness of knowledge management and its various applications in recent decades.
As an example of the importance of this role, the following topics illustrate the contribution of information technologies to knowledge management in more detail.
The role of computers and servers technology in knowledge management
For example, the significant development of the storage capacity of modern servers and computers has resulted in the ability to store a large amount of data and information sufficient to produce more accurate and realistic knowledge. Also, with this massive storage capacity, large amounts of information and knowledge can be preserved until you need it.
ِThe speed and accuracy of processors on modern servers and computers have also contributed to the ability to process large amounts of information and data quickly and accurately in record time.
The role of communications and network technologies in knowledge management
The distribution of knowledge and availability to all who deserve it worldwide would not have been so easy and effective had it not been for the development of communications and digital network technologies worldwide.
For example, one of the most important productions of communications and networking technology is the Internet. This information network plays a significant role in knowledge management.
Also, these technologies enable knowledge management to gather appropriate data and information from faraway places around the world.
The role of internet technology in knowledge management
Internet technologies are evolving so they go beyond their traditional function (providing information and transferring knowledge) to other, more diverse, and detailed functions. This provides knowledge management with essential and comprehensive resources.
For example, the concept of the Internet of Things began to spread and develop rapidly. This technology connection to the Internet is no longer restricted to humans. Now, different devices can connect to the Internet and receive and exchange information. This enables knowledge management to collect data directly from equipment and instruments, building more accurate and effective knowledge.
The role of image and video technologies in knowledge management
The technologies of cameras and scanners have developed significantly during the past decades. This made it one of the essential sources of knowledge management for collecting and analyzing information.
Camera technologies and software packages have contributed to identifying patterns, recognizing details, and comparing images more easily than before.
Also, using scanner technologies and software packages, it has become possible to recognize letters and numbers through OCR technology. This makes it easier for knowledge management to receive information quickly and conveniently through these technologies.
The role of printing technology in knowledge management
The development of different printing techniques helped knowledge management to show and circulate knowledge more effectively. For example, 3-D printing technology has helped knowledge management show information and products more effectively and clearly.
The role of other technologies in knowledge management
Through the previous paragraphs, you may think that knowledge management depends only on information technology. True, knowledge management relies mainly and essentially on information technology.
Also, knowledge management exploits technologies in various fields to enable them to achieve their goals.
For example, mechanical techniques are used in design accessible libraries and furniture to store documents. These technologies help to access original documents of knowledge quickly and easily.
Conclusion
Technology is the tool that enables knowledge management to complete its various operations and provides its services to the target audiences and achieves its goals.
As technology develops, the greater the possibility and effectiveness of knowledge management in achieving its goals.
Knowledge management contains different processes and tasks, and each process needs appropriate technology and tools to achieve its goals. Knowing the role technology plays in knowledge management enables you to choose the appropriate technology for optimal use in this field.
Information technology plays a significant role in knowledge management. Still, knowledge management also exploits the progress made in all other technologies, such as mechanical devices and others, that help them achieve their goals and facilitate their achievement.
