FAQ: Knowledge Retention in Companies

Securing and Making Experiential Knowledge Accessible in Companies

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By leveraging our digitalization solutions and providing company-specific know-how by means of a chatbot, we enable the efficient distribution of knowledge across the workforce. A tailored knowledge management system ensures user-friendly access to experiential knowledge.

This improves production processes, ensures consistent product quality, increases workforce flexibility, and strengthens employee qualifications. As a result, companies retain critical expertise internally and enhance their overall competitiveness.

Practical questions on knowledge retention in companies

What is knowledge management?

Knowledge management refers to the systematic capture, storage, distribution, and use of knowledge within companies. It includes processes and technologies that enable knowledge to be managed and shared efficiently.

 

How can employees be actively involved in internal knowledge management?

Employees should be involved early in the process as part of a human-centred development approach, starting with the needs analysis phase to ensure that the system is aligned with real operational requirements. They are also involved, for example, as interview partners during knowledge capture and during the testing phase of the resulting knowledge delivery system.

 

How can companies effectively capture and document experiential knowledge?

First, it is defined which knowledge is most relevant for day-to-day operations and how it should be used within the system. Based on this, appropriate methods for knowledge capture are selected. Depending on whether a knowledge management system is already in place or needs to be introduced, the captured knowledge is then structured and prepared accordingly.

 

Which technologies support the retention of experiential knowledge?

The retention of experiential knowledge is supported by various technologies, including knowledge databases and document management systems that facilitate the capture and organisation of information. Collaboration tools and intranets promote knowledge exchange and teamwork. In addition, wikis and chatbots enable fast access to information, while e-learning platforms and feedback tools help deliver knowledge and capture experiential insights.

 

How can access to experiential knowledge be simplified for new employees?

For example, by using an internal company chatbot that provides targeted access to stored knowledge. The chatbot is available 24/7, ensuring that knowledge can be accessed at any time.

 

 

WiBe-Back - A chatbot-based knowledge management system for SMEs

Specifically for small and medium-sized companies, the research project “WiBe-Back” developed an AI-supported knowledge management system that integrates various components, including a semantic wiki, a customizable ontology, an AI module for case-based solution retrieval, and a natural language chatbot.

The system enables employees to directly access practice-relevant information via voice input, without the need for extensive pre-structured data entry. It can be transferred to other industries and supports companies in balancing production fluctuations, reducing skill gaps, and permanently preserving the experiential knowledge of long-term employees.

In this way, SMEs can better cope with skilled labor shortages, staff turnover, and fluctuating raw material availability.

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