Workflow-supported organizational memory systems: an industrial application

Workflow management technology has evolved from efficiency-oriented process automation tools to knowledge network building and support systems. This paper presents a workflow management application that collects information-rich business process documents, stores them in an organizational memory system, and informates staff and management in various situations. Combining ASAP R/3 as the workflow machine and IXOAS-ARCHIVE as the knowledge repository of the organizational memory system enabled us to explore powerful options in organizational knowledge distribution. We have been able to document and report organizational performance gains in terms of both process efficiency and knowledge effectiveness.