Yet, much of an organization’s valuable knowledge remains informal, scattered among employees, and often undocumented. How can we structure and organize this knowledge to turn it into reusable resources? What tools and techniques can effectively capture internal expertise? And how can training videos play a key role in this process? Let’s dive into an analysis of these challenges.
Informal knowledge is often transmitted orally, through hands-on experience, exchanges between colleagues, or tips developed over time. This type of knowledge is essential but fragile—it can disappear when an employee leaves or be misunderstood if transmitted incompletely.
To structure this knowledge and turn it into a sustainable asset, here are some best practices:
1. Centralize information in a single repository
One of the main challenges of corporate knowledge management is information fragmentation. When knowledge is stored in multiple places, shared orally or via email, it becomes hard to access efficiently. That’s why creating a centralized repository is crucial, where employees can easily find procedures, guides, and best practices.
A well-structured repository is more than a storage space—it becomes a strategic tool for knowledge transfer and continuous employee training.
2. Standardize documentation formats
For information to be usable and reusable, clear and consistent formats are essential. Well-structured documentation prevents time loss and ensures uniform understanding of processes across the organization.
The goal is immediate comprehension—making documents engaging, practical, and easy to consult on the job.
3. Promote continuous knowledge updates
A knowledge base is a living organism—it must evolve continuously to reflect best practices and industry changes. Obsolete information can mislead employees and reduce process effectiveness.
By applying these principles, organizations can protect and enhance their intellectual capital, gaining a long-term competitive edge.
Knowledge capture requires a methodical approach and the right tools. Here are proven techniques:
1. Expert interviews
Conduct interviews with experienced staff to extract their know-how. These can be recorded or turned into practical guides.
2. Field observation and task analysis
Observe experts in action to identify key steps and best practices worth documenting.
3. Mentoring and knowledge sharing
Set up mentoring programs where experienced employees train newcomers, helping them absorb critical knowledge.
4. Collaborative digital tools
Digital tools are crucial for capturing, managing, and sharing knowledge. Here are a few useful ones:
Combined, these tools improve knowledge transfer, encourage expertise sharing, and support employee autonomy in learning.
Training videos are powerful tools to convert knowledge into structured and accessible content. Their advantages include:
1. Immersive, engaging learning
Unlike text, videos stimulate multiple senses, making learning more memorable. Visual demonstrations help users quickly grasp tasks and reduce errors. Watching an expert work gives valuable insight into flow, technique, and timing—things hard to capture in writing.
2. Accurate knowledge transfer
Filming an expert captures formal and informal knowledge—including subtle tips that improve efficiency but aren’t in official guides.
3.Increased accessibility and flexibility
Videos support on-demand, anytime-anywhere learning, ideal for busy teams or remote workers.
4.Time savings in training
A well-designed video automates training delivery, freeing up trainers and managers from repeating the same content.
5.An ideal tool for ongoing learning
In a fast-changing environment, videos are easily updated and integrated into continuous training programs.
Transforming informal knowledge into structured assets is a strategic advantage. By centralizing and organizing knowledge, using smart capture tools, and leveraging training videos, companies can preserve, transfer, and elevate their expertise. This approach enhances employee development, drives innovation, and ensures long-term resilience
Note: This article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence, under the supervision and review of our editorial team.
