AM-98-32 HOW TO KNOW WHAT WE KNOW: ’ USING KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TO INCREASE REFINERY PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY

Description:

While most refining companies would state that their staff’s expertise is one of their primary assets, few have institutionalized business processes to fully capture and strengthen this resource. Three major trends have increased the importance of the computer systems, called Knowledge Management Systems, that are used for this purpose. The first is the significant loss of experienced personnel in recent years in many refineries due to the severe business environment. The second is a shift in many companies toward the objectives of sustained and continua/ improvements in profitability and productivity rather than one-time programs. The third is the convergence of developments in computer and communications capabilities that have made it technically feasible and cost effective to implement on-line know/edge management systems. This paper will focus on five issues. Why are these systems now important? What are the components of know/edge management systems as implemented by leading corporations? What are the expected economic benefits that justify the necessary investments? What are the obstacles to installation and the problems that occur after installation? Finally, how can interested companies effectively initiate the installation of these systems?