Operational Focus - Creating Knowledge Management Systems (February 25, 2025)


Is your business losing valuable knowledge?

Have you ever had an employee leave, taking years of experience and insights with them? Or found yourself searching for information that should be readily available? Do you or your team waste time researching the same information - again? Knowledge management isn't just about storing data - it's about ensuring that the right information reaches the right people at the right time. How well does your business manage its knowledge?

Knowledge is only valuable it it's shared.

A company's knowledge is one of its greatest assets, but if it's locked away in someone's head (or buried in an endless email chain), it's not serving its purpose. effective knowledge management ensures that employees can easily access and apply information to improve processes, innovate, and make informed decisions. If knowledge isn't shared, it's as good as lost.

Tips for creating a simple knowledge repository.

Creating a Knowledge Management System (KMS) can help streamline information, improve team collaboration, and enhance decision-making. Here are some tips to get started.

  1. Define Your Objectives
    • Identify why you need a KMS (e.g., centralizing SOPs, improving onboarding, reducing repeated questions)
    • Determine what type of knowledge you need to capture (explicit knowledge like documents, best practices, frequently researched items)
  2. Choose the Right Tools
    • Use platforms like SharePoint, Google Drive, or Notion based on your team's needs
    • Ensure the tool integrates with your existing systems for seamless adoption
  3. Organize Information Logically
    • Create a standardized structure for documents, such as templates for SOPs, guides, and FAQs
    • Use a tagging system to categorize information for easy retrieval
  4. Start with Key Information
    • Focus on high-impact knowledge first
    • Document workflows, best practices, and lessons learned from past projects
  5. Keep It Searchable and Accessible
    • Use clear filing and naming conventions to make files and documents easy to find
    • Ensure the system allows role-based access to maintain security while ensuring the right people can contribute
  6. Encourage Team Contribution
    • Make it easy for employees to add or update information
    • Assign knowledge champions or subject-matter experts to maintain content accuracy.
  7. Implement Version Control and Updates
    • Schedule reviews to ensure accuracy and relevance
    • Set up an audit system to track document revisions and prevent outdated information from being used
  8. Train Your Team
    • Provide training on how to use the KMS effectively
    • Encourage team members to search the system before asking questions
  9. Measure and Improve
    • Track usage metrics to see which knowledge assets are most accessed
    • Gather feedback and continuously refine the system to improve usability

Knowledge management is a critical aspect of organizational success. The key is consistency: encourage team members to add to it regularly.

Personal Update:

I've been refining my own approach to knowledge management, both for my business and my clients. If you've found a knowledge management system that works well for your business, I'd love to hear about it!


What specific operational challenges are you currently facing that you'd love to see covered in future newsletters? Reply to this email with your questions.


WandaWorks, LLC

My mission is to help organizations streamline their operations, create documented systems and procedures, and enhance communication to create an environment of accountability. Follow me for tips on building processes, managing your team, and streamlining work and communications.

Read more from WandaWorks, LLC

WandaWorks, LLC - Fractional Business Operations Specialist If an auditor or inspector walked into your business tomorrow, how confident would you be that all your compliance requirements are up to date? For many small businesses, compliance lives in a pile of sticky notes, emails, or a file folder that only gets opened at tax time. This can lead to missed deadlines, outdated postings, and overlooked laws that can create fines and unnecessary stress. "By failing to prepare, you are preparing...

WandaWorks, LLC - Fractional Business Operations Specialist When was the last time you reviewed your company's policies If you can't remember, you're not alone. Many small businesses create policies once, often during the startup phase, and then never revisit them. The problem? Laws change, operations evolve, and technology shifts. An outdated policy can create compliance gaps, operational confusion, and even legal risk. Policies are the backbone of a well-run business, but only if they're...

WandaWorks, LLC - Fractional Business Operations Specialist Are your team's progress and decisions constantly waiting on you? If the answer is yes, congratulations, you're the bottleneck! If you're the go-to for every question, decision, and green light, it's no wonder you're stretched thin. Without systems, your team can't move forward without you and that stalls everyone. The good news? Systems can shift your team from "What should we do?" to "I took care of it." If you have to touch...