1. A method, comprising: receiving and storing a data element having technical data encoded therein, by transmission of the data element over a communications network to a server computer, wherein the data element is computer interpretable and adapted to be utilized by a knowledge management system; transmitting the data element, by transmission of the data element over the communications network from the server computer, in response to requests for the data element; storing a plurality of component factor values regarding the data element subsequent to receiving and storing the data element, the component factor values each relating to an accuracy of the technical data that is encoded within the data element; calculating a confidence score representing the accuracy of the technical data encoded in the data element based on the plurality of component factor values; and transmitting the confidence score, by transmission of the confidence score over the communications network from the server computer.