Are you seeking data, information, knowledge or wisdom?
We often use the word information as a catch-all, when we mean knowledge or wisdom. [We'll save data for another discussion.]
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Information is data (raw material, "facts") organized and labeled in ways that can be relevant or irrelevant to our needs.
Information about workflow tools: workflow tool X could make everyday processing smoother and reduce chances of making errors.
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Knowledge shows us how to use information to meet our objectives.
Our information tells us that workflow tool X could make our processes smoother and reduce chances for error.
Knowledge: Using software X, this particular way - using these steps, has been shown to shorten our processing time, reduce chances for error (or forgetting) and help us collect good metrics.
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Wisdom helps us judge which objectives should be met in the first place.
Our information tells us that workflow tool X could make our processes smoother and reduce chances for error.
Using software X, this particular way - using these steps, has been shown to shorten our processing time, reduce chances for error (or forgetting) and help us collect good metrics.
Operating with Wisdom
*Are there higher software priorities within our organization, besides shortening processing time?
*If we get clearer on what we need, can our existing software shorten our processing time, reduce chances for error (or forgetting) and help us collect good metrics?
*The last time we adopted time-saving software, we lost critical data. How do we make sure that doesn't happen this time?
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When information is not the problem, it CANNOT be the solution. More information may offer no additional benefits.
The need for knowledge is satisfied with knowledge.
The need for wisdom is satisfied with wisdom.
What are you seeking?