Knowledge capture is the process of identifying, recording, and organizing operational know-how so it can be reused by other people or systems. In manufacturing, it commonly refers to converting experience from operators, technicians, engineers, inspectors, and other subject matter experts into controlled information such as work instructions, setup notes, troubleshooting guidance, inspection criteria, or training materials.
Knowledge capture is often used when skilled workers have practical knowledge that is not fully represented in formal documentation. This may include machine-specific adjustments, common defect patterns, changeover tips, rework decision points, or the reasoning behind process checks. The captured knowledge may be stored in systems such as MES, QMS, LMS, document control platforms, or digital work instruction tools.
Knowledge capture is related to knowledge retention, but the terms are not identical. Knowledge capture focuses on collecting and structuring the information. Knowledge retention is the broader ability of the organization to preserve and apply that knowledge over time. It should also not be confused with training alone; training uses captured knowledge, but the capture process defines what information is available, current, and usable.