Knowledge Management

The topic of knowledge management came up today. 

This is a big thing for customers.  Many of the operators, engineers and other staff working in their plants will change jobs or retire in the coming years.  And with them goes knowledge.

While the operation of how to run the plant may be well-documented, the know-how related to system configurations and advanced applications is more often than not.  This is a problem.

So what can a company like PAS do?

First, we can start by making the plant software applications as simple as possible to install and operate.  We should reduce the expertise required to install and maintain these applications.  Our initiative with the STAR adaptive multivariable predictive controller is a good start.  But it’s not enough.

Second, we can deliver the tools that automatically and systematically document the advanced applications and control system configurations.  Engineers are notorious for building software & system applications “their way” and then not documenting them.  Our initiative with Integrity.MOC is a good start.  But it’s also not enough.

Clearly, there is incentive for companies like ours to do more.  Seems like it’s time for us to get busy….