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ABOUT US
Our inception arose from the observation that companies commonly face difficulties in managing and capitalizing on knowledge, despite advancements in IT and communication tools.
Our services and know-how, developed since 2002, offer comprehensive solutions for companies to overcome commonly faced challenges.
THE MASK METHOD
The MASK method (Method for Analysing and Structuring Knowledge) is a complete knowledge management methodology, from strategy to information system. It was created in the early 1990’s to capture the knowledge involved in the development of the French nuclear deterrent, prior to the retirement of the last atomic experts who had initiated the program. The MASK method began to be increasingly deployed in civilian organizations in the mid 2000’s. It can be used in its entirety or partially, depending on the needs of the organization.
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Kaseane was founded in 2002 by Jean-François Tendron with full support from Jean-Louis Ermine, the creator of the MASK method. With over three decades of extensive MASK methodology use, our approach has proven to be robust across diverse industries. For that reason, Jean-Louis Ermine was solicited to participate in the redaction of ISO:30401:2018 for knowledge management systems.
Using the MASK method, we address three fundamental challenges:
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Identifying critical expertise:
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We help companies identify the tacit and explicit knowledges that are critical for the organization.
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Capturing Critical Knowledge:
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We help companies to create top valuable contents through the capture (knowledge engineering) of critical tacit knowledge.
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Robust Knowledge Sharing:
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We provide a robust method for sharing knowledge.
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JEAN-FRANCOIS TENDRON
MASK Expert, Director, Kaseane Founder
Jean-François Tendron began his career as a production engineer for a French Group in South East Asia (Construction). He then became rapidly the MIS manager of the Group (1995). Back to France in 1999, he joined Cap Gemini Ernst & Young as a senior consultant in Knowledge Management before creating Kaseane, in 2002, with the aim of developing a partnership with the French Ministry of Defence. He relocated in South East Asia in 2011.
EDUCATION
Jean-François Tendron holds a diploma in Aeronautical Engineering (Ecole Supérieur des Techniques Aéronautiques, Paris - 1991). He was subsequently trained on Knowledge Management (French Atomic Energy Commission - 1999) and on Project Management (Cap Gemini Ernst & Young - 2000).
WORK EXPERIENCE
Jean-François Tendron managed tens of industrial Knowledge Management assignments in public or private companies and international organizations in France (Defense, Various Industries – Naval Construction, Lens Manufacturing, Postal Mail Treatment –, Transport) and abroad (Energy, Various Industries – Food Industry, Industrial Gases, Commercial Aviation, Tire Manufacturing –, Transport and Public Administration), essentially in the US. To this day he has produced more than 120 Knowledge Books.


ANTHONY MCCARTHY
MASK Expert, Principal Partner
Anthony McCarthy embarked on his professional journey in 2013 as a Production Coordinator at D&D Fine Limits SMW in London. In this role, he oversaw the manufacturing processes across diverse industries, including Aerospace, Biotech, Oil & Gas, and Automotive. Notably, Anthony managed the companywide quality management system and spearheaded the implementation of an ERP system, enhancing quality and traceability standards.
In 2016, Anthony transitioned to Ash & Lacy Building Systems, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a CNC punching department. His contributions were instrumental in achieving the Automotive Manufacturing Standard IATF:16949, reflecting his dedication to excellence and process improvement.
Since 2020, Anthony has served as a Knowledge Engineer at Kadrant Ltd, collaborating closely with Jean-Francois Tendron. In this capacity, he has contributed to the development of over 20 Knowledge Books, primarily focusing on the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector.
EDUCATION
Anthony McCarthy studied Aerospace Engineering at Kingston University, London, UK. In addition, he has earned multiple accreditations in quality assurance and business management over the course of his career. Anthony also completed three years of specialized training in Knowledge Engineering under JF Tendron at Kadrant Ltd, where he successfully led several key projects.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Anthony's professional trajectory underscores his commitment to driving operational excellence and fostering innovation across diverse industries. His expertise spans manufacturing, quality management, and knowledge engineering, reflecting a multifaceted approach to addressing complex challenges and driving organizational success.
JEAN-LOUIS ERMINE
Scientific and Technical Counselor, Mask Creator
Jean-Louis Ermine began his career as a teacher-researcher at the Universities of Algiers and Bordeaux. He has worked at the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission (CEA) as a Knowledge Manager for more than 10 years. From 2003 to 2015, he was a professor at Institut Mines-Telecom, successively director of the Information Systems department, associate dean of research and associate dean of innovation. He is currently Professor Emeritus at Institut Mines-Telecom and expert consultant in Business Knowledge Management.
EDUCATION
Jean-Louis Ermine holds a PhD in fundamental mathematics (Denis Diderot University of Paris) and the diploma of National Research Director in computer science (University of Bordeaux).
WORK EXPERIENCE
Jean-Louis Ermine has been managing or advising in numerous research or industrial Knowledge Management projects in public or private companies and international organizations in France (Industry, Energy, Transport, Defence, Banking, SMEs ...) and abroad (Sonatrach (Algeria), Hydro-Québec, Public Administration (Canada), IPEN (Brazil), National Nuclear Safety Authorities (Asia), United States, UN ...). He was French delegate for ISO International Standards Commission on Knowledge Management (2018-2019). He is the creator of the MASK Knowledge Management method, which is now widely used in various companies and organizations around the world. Jean-Louis Ermine has written 8 books and more than 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. He is creator and Honorary President of the French Knowledge Management Club since 1999, an association bringing together many francophone companies and the French Academic Association for Knowledge Management (AGeCSO) since 2008.


JEAN-PHILIPPE MASSIN
MASK Expert, KM Platforms Expert
Jean-Philippe Massin started his career in the french navy in 1990 as watch officer and combat officer on the TDC OURAGAN prior to onboard on aircraft ATL1 as tactical coordinator for 3 years. Afterward, he spent 7 years in management consulting firms (IMR, Ernst & Young) developing expertise on 3 domains: Operation excellence, Sourcing & procurement, Knowledge Management. Will follow 7 years as CEO of Eutilia N.V., an innovative eMarketplace founded by 11 of the biggest European Utilities to digitalise jointly their purchasing process and share critical knowledge about core supply markets. He will continue to undertake and drive business development with Capgemini, Ariba, Accenture and Deolan as a member of the executive committee.
EDUCATION
Jean-Philippe Massin holds a military, maritime and engineering diploma from the École Navale, the french Naval Academy, promotion 1986. He was subsequently trained on Knowledge Management (with JL Ermine in1999), on Project and Spend Management (Cap Gemini Ernst & Young - 2000) and on complex business development technics (Accenture 2010)
WORK EXPERIENCE
Jean-Philippe Massin conducted Knowledge Management projects at Ernst & Young and Eutilia N.V. to facilitate access to critical business and supply market information. He teamed-up Jean-Francois Tendron since 1998 releasing jointly several Knowledge Books in different industries but mainly Defense.

OUR MISSION
Our mission at Kaseane is to help companies unlock and safeguard critical knowledge, often residing within experts' minds. This knowledge serves to safeguard, elevate, and even expand core business and competitive advantages.
We believe that knowledge is the most valuable asset of any organization and that it should be managed strategically to achieve business success.
CORE VALUES
Securing Knowledge
We protect knowledge under threat from restructuring, retirements, or reassignments across all sectors, a need exemplified by challenges like COVID-19 (knowledge elicitation / codification).
Safeguarding Technical and Scientific Knowledge
Our expertise extends to securing vast bodies of technical and scientific knowledge, particularly – but not only –in defense and atomic energy domains (knowledge elicitation / codification).
Identifying Gaps and Formulating Hypotheses
In the field of exploratory R&D, for example within the food industry, we specialize in identifying gaps and crafting hypotheses.
Facilitating Industrial Knowledge Transfers
Our track record includes facilitating knowledge transfers in industries such as food, lenses, and industrial gases.
Nurturing Knowledge-Intensive Partnerships
We support partnerships in knowledge-intensive fields, like energy and industrial gases.
Creating Critical Knowledge Training Support
Across all sectors, we provide invaluable support for critical knowledge training.
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