Comparison
Firnkern compared with today’s methods
Most small and medium-sized companies secure knowledge today with a manual, a wiki, an onboarding plan or video recordings. All four have their place. Here is where Firnkern does something different – and where it does not.
The methods by criteria
| Criterion | Manual, Word document | Wiki, SharePoint, intranet | Onboarding plan, shadowing | Video recordings | Firnkern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Is knowledge drawn out of the person? | The person writes it down. What they are not aware of is usually missing. | As with a manual: the person writes it; the wiki only provides the place. | Yes, in conversation and by watching – depending on time and the person guiding. | Yes, while demonstrating. What is not shown or said is missing. | Yes, in conversation: the Kern asks follow-up questions (at most two). The person can also show it on screen or with the camera. |
| Guided questions per role? | Can be, if templates exist. Often a blank document. | Usually not. The authors decide structure and content. | Can be, if the guide keeps a list. | Usually not. | Yes: interview questions per role type. They are templates, not reviewed by experts in every profession. |
| Is it tested whether the successor can do it? | Usually not. Whether it holds shows in daily work. | Usually not. | Shows in daily work, usually without a recorded test. | Usually not. | Yes: testing in levels (release check, desk test, practical test). The successor works with the dossier alone. |
| Confirmation by management? | Can be, usually outside the document. | May be possible through approval workflows, depending on set-up. | Can be, mostly verbal. | Usually not. | Yes: the software checks the acceptance conditions with evidence, management confirms (four-eyes principle), with date. |
| Are gaps visible? | Usually only when someone needs the missing piece. | Usually only when someone searches for it. | Gaps show in daily work, often late. | Usually only when watching and applying. | Yes: the test shows what the successor did not find or could not do. Follow-up questions close the gap in the dossier. |
| Data in your own network? | Yes, wherever the file is stored. | Depends: your own server or a provider’s service. | No separate data store needed. | Depends on storage. | Default: in your own company network. The cloud is an option. External AI levels are your choice. |
The statements on the methods are general («usually», «can be»). In a given company a method may do more if it is built out well. The Firnkern column describes software functions only.
What each method is good for
- Manual or Word document: simple, readable anywhere, no new software needed.
- Wiki or intranet: good for storing and finding documents across the company.
- Onboarding plan and shadowing: irreplaceable for intuition, relationships and hand skills.
- Video recordings: show procedures that are hard to describe.
Honestly
- Firnkern does not replace shadowing. Relationships, trust, intuition and the feel in your hands cannot be captured in any dossier. Leadership roles also need an accompanied handover.
- Firnkern complements your current methods: the dossier gives shadowing a basis and shows what is still missing. Shadowing remains worthwhile.
- The test measures whether a role can be handed over, not expertise.
- AI answers are drafts with evidence. People have to check and decide.
- There is no paying customer yet and no measurement report from a pilot company. We therefore claim no effect; halving onboarding time is our target value.
Try it with one role: in the pilot phase Firnkern is free of charge with a voucher.
More on the method and the features is on the home page; our guides are in German only, see Guides.