Essentials of Knowledge Management

4.10. Transfer

The transfer or communications of information from one person or place to another is a prerequisite for an efficient Knowledge Management system. As illustrated in Exhibit 4.6, the key issues in the transfer phase of the KM life cycle include cost, security, and transfer time. The cost per quantity of information communicated from one point to another may be significant, especially if there isn't an existing networked infrastructure. In addition, the security of information is always an issue, and it is especially critical when the information is being transferred across a public network, such as the Internet or a wireless or telephone network. Transfer time—the time it takes to move information from one point to another in the organization—often defines the usability of a KM system. In most cases, the shorter the transfer time, the more usable the information.

The primary support mechanisms in the transfer phase of the KM life cycle include networks and, in some instances, physical transfer. Corporate intranets, the Internet, and the web are all enabling technologies that support virtually instantaneous communications throughout the KM life cycle and shorten the transfer time. However, for some applications, including ultrasecure electronic digital information as well as digital media-based communications, physically delivering media from one point to the next is the way to transfer information.

EXHIBIT 4.6. EXHIBIT 4.6