Inching closer to mainstream KM
Even the most myopic business analysts, executives and managers understand that integrating corporate strategy, people, processes and technology is the only way to maintain--let alone enhance--an organization's competitive position. So it's not surprising that two of the most influential global IT companies--Microsoftand KPMGhave embarked upon a major knowledge management initiative.And, as part of the rollout, the two companies have produced a co-branded instructional CD for the knowledge management faint of heart. "Knowledge Management--A First Step" contains background on knowledge management, information about KPMG and Microsoft as well as frameworks, methodologies, case studies and white papers. (A copy is available by e-mailing kmpractice@kpmg.)
The KM program is designed to give organizations the ability to better compete through improved business processes and enhanced collaboration--both internally and with trading partners--as well as increased speed in leveraging knowledge for strategic advantage.
To date, the joint solutions, which combine KPMG's consulting and integration services with such Microsoft technologies as Office 2000 and Microsoft Exchange, include:• Program Management Office (PMO), designed to give IT departments the ability to capture, codify, track and share information across the enterprise through the use of flexible, intuitive tools.• Customer Management, which provides enterprise knowledge enabling professionals to maximize customer value--i.e. change management, consulting services, integrated systems architecture, creation of customer-centric data warehouses and links to systems that affect customers.
Other KPMG/Microsoft solutions in development include the following:• Mergers and Acquisitions helps affected enterprises to more quickly assimilate intellectual assets and resources to minimize disruption.• Research and Development helps to link research initiatives and corporate strategy to improve time-to-market, resulting in a better ROI.• Supply Chain Management focuses on capturing the flow of knowledge about money, goods and services for increased efficiency and competitive advantage.
Another example of KPMG's involvement in global knowledge management is its KWorld, an online messaging, collaboration and knowledge-sharing platform. Launched last year, it was the first system of its kind built entirely from standard Microsoft components based on Microsoft Windows NT Server, including Microsoft Exchange, Site Server as well as Microsoft Office, Outlook and Internet Explorer. In addition to leveraging the intellectual capital of its employees, KPMG Consulting will be able to help its clients develop and implement their own knowledge management systems based on the Microsoft platform.