In recent years, various definitions and approaches have been developed that deal with data, information, and knowledge management.
It is advisable to view this within the overall context of a company or institution. The following diagram illustrates the complete, iterative cycle while taking intermediate phases into account.
For a closer explanation, let us examine the phases in more detail, starting with the „Data“ phase.
- Data – Data refers to recorded values presented in a structured format through metadata descriptions.
- Information – Data combined with context that explains its meaning.
- Knowledge – Knowledge is information that undergoes cognitive processing by domain experts and is subsequently available in a structured form (explicit). Uncaptured knowledge, acquired for instance through intuition and experience, is referred to as implicit.
- Wisdom & Insight – Making decisions and taking action requires intelligence (sagacity) paired with insight and understanding, which can be validated and applied through knowledge.
- Vision – Knowledge combined with intelligence forms the foundation for forward-looking planning and the realization of vision.
During the data management process, Discrete Data are initially transformed into Connected Data. Connected Data can be described and managed using a Knowledge Graph or a Knowledge Forest.