Capturing expert knowledge [semiconductor manufacturing]

Why is it that some people can perform a task with greater precision and accuracy than others? What knowledge do they possess that qualifies them as experts? How do they consistently outperform peers who follow the same set of procedures? In the past experts were interviewed to get the answers to these questions, but this was not always effective because often experts "don't know what they know." A method was needed to capture the subconscious knowledge of the expert as well as skill proficiency. Accelerated breakthrough systems (ABS) is a methodology that was developed to do just that. The goal is to capture expert knowledge and document best-known methods (BKMs) through video based observation, raising an entire work group's performance to the expert level. The ABS process is a proven methodology for capturing expert knowledge. The six-phase method is a documented system that can be applied to a variety of knowledge and tasks, making it transferable across any function. The process is lead by a certified ABS specialist. Organizations can apply the process to close performance gaps on critical tasks dealing with equipment, process, operations or abstract dynamic skills. The key is to identify and document expert subconscious knowledge. ABS "taps in" via videotape analysis.