The Biggest Knowledge Management Problems (And How to Overcome Them)

The cost of knowledge management problems is familiar territory. Whether trying to find information after an employee leaves the company, or trying to manage files and content in a less-than-ideal system, the fallout of mismanaged information results in costly delays, lost sales, and hours of wasted time.

With the growing popularity of knowledge management systems, there are plenty of options on the market. In fact, many companies are dedicating themselves to following the best practices they believe to be at the forefront of managing their company knowledge, but the real problem is that they are investing in traditional knowledge management systems that are falling short of their needs. The game has changed since knowledge management was established in the ’90s. What companies should now invest in is a more efficient way to retain company information: a knowledge sharing platform.

Common Knowledge Management Problems:

When knowledge management solutions first rose to popularity in the 1990s, the tools were well-intentioned, and at the time, did the job. Traditional knowledge management gives organizations a place to store their company data in one centralized system, allowing employees to access the information as needed. But with the constant influx of information, traditional knowledge management just can’t keep up with the increase in information and the change in expectations for finding company information.

1. Knowledge Management Is Overwhelming

Traditional knowledge management systems, while meant to make work life easier, can lead to information overload. As the collection of company knowledge grows, traditional systems get filled with so much information that they can become hard to navigate, leaving your team buried in information.

And with that overwhelming and difficult-to-manage system comes the decline in productivity. The investment that was meant to make work easier and more efficient is ultimately a costly productivity killer. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your employees are probably not using the system anymore.

2. Knowledge Management Doesn’t Break Down Barriers

What good is a knowledge management system if your team isn’t using the tool? A traditional knowledge management solution gives your team a place to capture, store, and retrieve information. Do you see what’s missing? Hint: it’s the ability to find information easily and then communicate about and analyze that company information.

The prospect of sharing ideas can be daunting, and if it isn’t an easy process, some team members may shy away from communicating with co-workers about company information. So, while the wrong system hinders communication, the right knowledge sharing platform motivates people to collaborate. Many knowledge management systems are lacking in this ability, resulting in low employee engagement.

Why Do Knowledge Sharing Platforms Win?

So, what is the right solution to gain efficiency, increase productivity, and solve your knowledge management problems? A comprehensive knowledge sharing platform.

1. Knowledge Sharing Platforms Organize Information

Knowledge sharing platforms allow team-based or role-based access, as well as filters to your content to help prevent information overload. Different team members get personalized experiences, so they have access to resources, content, and conversations that are most relevant to them.

The most effective solutions integrate an intuitive and intelligent search system, so employees can find the answers to their questions and navigate content more efficiently, resulting in fewer redundant email conversations, faster problem solving, and simpler communication.

2. Knowledge Sharing Platforms Encourage Employee Engagement

By investing in a knowledge sharing platform with built-in gamification features, you can easily monitor and reward employee engagement. The opportunity to be a thought leader in the office can motivate people to share information, instead of keeping it to themselves.

And isn’t being able to share information quickly a reward in itself? With an easy-to-use system in place, employees will appreciate the efficiency in communicating about content, and asking and answering questions, without cumbersome email chains, phone calls, and repetitive conversations.