Knowledge Management Systems In A Courtroom

Organization is key to running a successful business and having a steady workflow. The topic of knowledge management systems is very important for creating opportunity. However, the definition of a knowledge management system can relate to the actually organization of how a company runs itself. The point og this research is to demonstrate the importance of having data organized and readily available. “Knowledge management systems refer to any kind of IT system that stores and retrieves knowledge, improves collaboration, locates knowledge sources, mines repositories for hidden knowledge, captures and uses knowledge, or in some other way enhances the KM process.” [1] Based off this definition, there is a personal experience where a knowledge management system has been in my life. I thought this organization was just something a company should have, but clearly it is more than that. In the fall of 2013, I had an internship at the Richmond County Surrogate’s Court in Staten Island, New York. Here I had many duties, but one was working in the records room. Since technology was advancing, I had a lot of filing to do downstairs. Putting the paper documents onto a computer was something I did for hours. “The idea of a KM system is to enable employees to have ready access to the organization's documented base of facts, sources of information, and solutions.” [2] The court’s employees always needed to access these files for lawyers or lawyers had to even retrieve them. These files were sources for anyone who needed to use them in the courtroom. This proved that having a readily accessible database of important documents led to solutions for families or lawyers trying to settle or win a case within the court. The storage of this date made work at the Surrogate’s Court much easier than the way it used to be because this knowledge management system made it possible to retrieve a document in seconds, rather than having to physically search for it in the millions of papers stored in the basement of the building. The way the court was organized showed a perfect management support system. Cases were brought in and filed quickly and efficiently. “The benefits of knowledge managementsystems for organizations are clear: more satisfied and loyal customers, higher efficiency, and better insights for improving products and services. Knowledge management is the new imperative for the service and support organization.” [3] With the court, new opportunities are new cases being brought in. However, with a Surrogate’s Court, there aren’t many places to go with this kind of problem so there is not competition. However, with the loss of a family member and legal business to take care of, having an easy procedure to making the parties happy is the means of providing great service, which is what a knowledge management system is meant to provide. [1] http://www.knowledge-management-tools.net/knowledge-management-systems.html [2] http://www.princeton.edu/~achaney/tmve/wiki100k/docs/Knowledge_management_system.html [3] http://www.aptean.com/en/Solutions/By-Product-Name-AZ/Knova/Additional-Resources/Benefits-of-Knowledge-Management