Capturing Operations Knowledge Today, Sharing It Tomorrow – An Innovative Electronic Solution to Knowledge Management

Relying on paper and knowledge spread across every corner of a utility is becoming a more inefficient way to operate everyday. Utilities can no longer afford to make trial and error-type learning mistakes in operating and maintaining their systems. Up-to-date and reliable information must be available at the staff’s fingertips anywhere and anytime to sustain efficient and effective operations and maintenance practices. In addition, with a wave of retiring engineering, operations, and management staff at utilities, finding a way to capture knowledge today before it walks out the door tomorrow is crucial. Using a series of workshops with key staff members, a utility can successfully download institutional knowledge from their experienced personnel while at the same time building stronger communication and personal ties throughout the utility. HDR assisted the City of Greeley in starting down the road of establishing knowledge management and sharing tools to capture and readily access key utility information. The innovative electronic solutions developed will lead to successful transition of knowledge, information and data to a younger and more tech-ready workforce.