[an error occurred while processing this directive] Knowledge Management Architecture Daryl Morey Knowledge Management Architecture In this age of information, knowledge is the most important factor in the long-term success of both an individual and an organization. In fact, Peter Senge believes that the only source of competitive advantage in the future will be the knowledge that an organization contains and an organization’s ability to learn faster than the competition. With knowledge taking on increased importance, it makes sense that there is an opportunity to create competitive advantage by effectively man- aging its storage and use. An effective knowledge management architecture creates competitive advantage by bringing appropriate knowledge to the point of action during the moment of need. Employee turnover is also reduced because a large portion of the knowledge and expertise acquired by the employee is captured in the knowledge base. THE ARCHITECTURE’S CHARACTERISTICS A successful knowledge management architecture must be: •  Available (if knowledge exists, it is available for retrieval) •  Accurate in retrieval (if available, knowledge is retrieved) •  Effective (knowledge retrieved is useful and correct) •  Accessible (knowledge is available during the time of need) This chapter proposes a vision for how technology could be used to improve each of these requirements for success. Knowledge Available for Retrieval If the knowledge an employee needs exists, it should be available. This requirement can be split into two viewpoints: knowledge that exists external to the organization and knowledge that exists internal to the organization: © 1998 by CRC Press LLC