Searching your knowledge base must be easy and accurate. Otherwise, a knowledge base is pretty much irrelevant! A good and accurate search experience requires an incredibly powerful search engine (algorithm) as well as a wide range of levers to target and tune the search to specific needs.

 

It is essential that the search function is able to adapt to your local and professional dictionary and functional needs.

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Not all solutions claiming the KM label can deliver this. From a linguistic and functional perspective, it is e.g. crucial that a knowledge base supports compound words, especially in a Scandinavian context where compound words are inherent to our language stems. Just take a word as vacuum cleaner - two words in English, one word in Danish. Yet, many knowledge solutions fail to deliver this basic premise. 

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A popular search engine in the field of dedicated knowledge solutions is SOLR, which is also used by some of the largest international platforms e.g. eBay, Instagram, and Netflix. SOLR offers various options for tuning the search in terms of language requirements and the specific context of use. 

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The most advanced knowledge bases also have cross-search, which means that you can search both the knowledge base and other databases and knowledge sources such as a product catalogue or a website. This ensures access to all relevant knowledge from the same search, resulting in high efficiency and usability for all user groups.

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You therefore want to consider if and how the search engine in a given knowledge base is able to meet your specific needs before deciding on your new knowledge management tool.

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See also the list of functionalities that we recommend you to look for in a knowledge manamement solution.