A Knowledge Management Framework offers a guiding framework around how the knowledge, storing, organizing, delivering and disseminating it over time becomes an asset to be used and implemented. In essence, the framework allows for collaboration, sharing and access across various work units and teams. Also called Knowledge Estimator or Knowledge Graph, it is a template for the knowledge commonly associated with many different industries.

It is often called Knowledge Management System or Knowledge Base. This framework includes applications that facilitate the extraction of quantitative and qualitative information from sources in the physical as well as digital world. Also called Knowledge Tool, it is generally an online web application that stores and disseminates the large amount of available knowledge. Knowledge Management Frameworks comes with various models and features depending on the needs of the users. However, these may include information science, information technology, business, engineering and so on. They can also be categorized into two major subsets, as described below.

These are: The first sub-set is known as Knowledge Management Service which basically offers the tools to make Knowledge Management System easier to run. This Knowledge management framework includes applications such as content mining, knowledge extraction, Knowledge Replication, knowledge analysis, and so on. This framework facilitates the workflow for retrieving and updating information thus making the process faster and more accurate. Another advantage is that it is easy to update the information thus avoiding the hassles of duplication. Also, since knowledge items can be updated using a Knowledge Database, this sub-set Knowledge Management Framework can also be termed as a consolidated Knowledge Management Solution.



The second sub-set of the knowledge management framework is known as Document Management Service or DMS. The main functions of the DMS are to maintain information from multiple sources in one place such as in a file system or in a cloud. The DMS sub-set of the framework deals mainly with the retrieval, storage and access of data.

The main types of Knowledge Management Framework Template are: Document Control Systems, Desktop Information Stores, Information Lifecycle Management Frameworks, Knowledge Extraction, Knowledge Repositories and Knowledge Validation Software. Among these, Desktop Information Stores is the earliest types of knowledge related frameworks. These are highly useful in the information management process, since they facilitate the storing, retrieving and updating of data. They work by providing a well-organized procedure for retrieving and updating the data. Desktop Information Stores has their own disadvantages as well such as the time required for maintenance and the security of the information they store.

There are many other types of knowledge management tools available such as Knowledge Extraction Solutions, Knowledge Repositories and Knowledge Validation Software. Knowledge Extraction Solution refers to the extraction of Knowledge from documents based on specific keywords. Knowledge Repositories are the repositories of the knowledge from different sources and are often accessed directly from the internet. Knowledge Extractors work by organizing information retrieved from Knowledge Repositories, making it easier for multiple users to access the same information. The main advantage of using knowledge management tools is that they can make the job of a Knowledge Worker much easier, as it is now unnecessary to personally maintain the knowledge database. This also makes it possible for the HR professionals to increase the efficiency of the corporate knowledge system.

Knowledge Management Frameworks comes with a specific set of features depending on their type. One such popular framework is the Content Management System (CMS), which provides the processes and procedures required for the organization to effectively retain, version and publish the organization's critical information. When a new document is created within the Knowledge Base, it is first sent to the CMS for review and comments from employees and stakeholders. Based on the comments and suggestions, a new version of the document is created and approved before being published. All the versions of the documents are saved in different content modules, which are then referenced when required. Different Content Managers or Editors are assigned to handle the document types, while keeping them up to date with the latest knowledge.

Organizations need to carefully plan how to use a knowledge management framework. It is only when a business decides on how to co-ordinate its efforts between different individuals and departments that it can effectively build knowledge management framework around its working priorities. It is also important for an organization to define its working priorities, work according to these priorities, while making the best use of the framework in its daily operations. To ensure that these are well achieved, a company needs to closely monitor the developments in its field.