BS 34401:2022

BS 34401:2022 provides guidance for users of BS ISO 30401. Learn more about BS ISO 30401 Knowledge management systems. Requirements here.

Download BS 34401:2022 Executive Briefing here to find out more.

What is BS 34401 - Knowledge management about?

Knowledge management (KM) is about how organizations create and use knowledge. As a management discipline, it’s become more valued as businesses adapt to evolving workforces and remote working. Consequently, the international knowledge management system standard, BS ISO 30401 has grown in popularity, although this has always lacked explanations and guidance around how to implement its requirements. This new British Standard, BS 34401, fills those gaps.

Who is BS 34401 - Knowledge management for?

Anyone involved in the design, implementation, operation, evaluation, and improvement of a knowledge management system in organizations of any size, type, or industry, including:

• Users of BS ISO 30401
• Knowledge management practitioners
• Chartered knowledge managers
• HR and organizational learning practitioners
• Users of other management system standards, such as quality, innovation, and collaborative working

What does BS 34401 - Knowledge management cover?

It gives guidance on how to design, implement, operate, evaluate, and improve a knowledge management system (KMS) in accordance with the requirements of BS ISO 30401. It’s intended that BS 34401 is used in conjunction with BS ISO 30401.

BS 34401 also gives detail on what a management system standard is, analysing key features and details and expanding on the fundamentals of KM. It gives commentary on the terminology used in BS ISO 30401 and clarifies its requirements. Furthermore, BS 34401 provides examples and guidance on how various types of organization might approach the different requirements in BS ISO 30401.

Why should you use BS 34401 - Knowledge management?

• It’s a useful tool for anyone implementing BS ISO 30401 because it provides the rationale behind the requirements in the international standard and how they can be met in practice and context. As such BS 34401 can help users fulfil the full potential of a knowledge management system.

• It can also help users overcome common misconceptions about how to do KM and deepen their understanding of knowledge management generally, as well as accelerate innovation in their organization, develop KM expertise and improve efficiency.

BS 34401 was also developed in the UK, ensuring its guidance is particularly relevant to UK knowledge management practitioners.

BS 34401 contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goal 8 on decent work and economic growth and Goal 9 on industry, innovation and infrastructure.