“Understanding Digital Asset Management: 3 Key Questions to Consider”

One of the biggest challenges an organization faces with running a digital asset management DAM) system is managing the processes and people who work on it.

“It’s challenging because processes are sometimes embedded in our workplace and it’s difficult to change that,” said John Horodyski, managing director for Salt Flats,  and a MarTech contributor, in a session at The MarTech Conference. “And furthermore, with people and processes, they do change — quite often, actually — creating gaps in the tacit knowledge of any business over time.”

Here are three questions to think about related to DAM processes.

1. Am I alleviating or adding to the DAM workload?

“Any new DAM process should have a goal of alleviating a pain point or removing unnecessary workflow from a user’s plate,” said Horodyski.

An overview of the entire workflow of your organization’s DAM will help you decide whether a new process will help the team or set it back.

Dig deeper: Building a DAM business case

2. How can I use DAM to automate processes?

Use the data foundation you’ve built for your DAM to automate things like content sharing and publishing. Use the metadata around assets to analyze and archive the assets. 

This will all help make processes more efficient, making the DAM even more valuable to the organization.

3. How will I communicate DAM processes to users?

“Each new process you implement needs to have a positive side to it, and you need to hammer home the new efficiency that you will be bringing,” said Horodyski.

This communication to your team members should come through regularly planned meetings. Ensure you are targeting the users performing these processes so you’re not wasting people’s time. Also, provide training on the new processes at these meetings or one-on-one.

Using workshops to establish new processes

To build a new DAM process, gather the relevant people in a collective intelligence workshop.

To help in documenting the new process, you can use a visualization. Color code each technology connected to the process and the DAM, so users can identify which tools the process includes.

“As you start to map this workflow across different pieces of technology, you can also map the people who are responsible for the different tasks that you’re mapping out, as well as the metadata that you are [using] between these different pieces,” said Ryan Murphy, managing director, insights and analytics at Salt Flats.

“Once you create these current state workflows, you want to validate them with your current users, then you want to update your current state workflows for your new DAM system,” he explained. “And this is really powerful because you can start to show your users what systems are going to be sunset by your new DAM system.”

To find out more about managing a DAM that’s flexible and adaptable, read: 

• Making data the foundation of your DAM
• Getting your DAM to work with other tools

The post 3 questions to ask about digital asset management processes appeared first on MarTech.

Digital Asset Management (DAM) is a critical aspect of modern business operations, as it allows organizations to effectively manage, store, and distribute digital assets such as images, videos, documents, and other multimedia content. With the increasing volume of digital assets being created and used by businesses, it’s essential to have a robust DAM system in place to ensure that these assets are easily accessible, organized, and secure. In this article, we will explore three key questions to consider when it comes to understanding Digital Asset Management.

1. What is Digital Asset Management?

Digital Asset Management is the practice of organizing, storing, and retrieving digital assets in a centralized location. It involves the use of software tools and systems to manage the entire lifecycle of digital assets, from creation to distribution and archiving. DAM systems provide a single source of truth for all digital assets, making it easier for teams to collaborate and access the content they need. DAM also includes features such as version control, metadata management, and access controls to ensure that assets are properly managed and protected.

2. Why is Digital Asset Management Important?

Digital Asset Management is important for several reasons. Firstly, it helps organizations save time and resources by streamlining the process of managing digital assets. With a DAM system in place, teams can quickly find and access the content they need, without having to search through multiple folders or drives. This leads to increased productivity and efficiency.

Secondly, DAM ensures that digital assets are properly organized and categorized, making it easier to locate and use them in the future. This is particularly important for businesses that have a large volume of digital assets, as it can be challenging to keep track of everything without a proper system in place.

Finally, DAM provides a secure environment for digital assets, protecting them from unauthorized access or accidental deletion. This is crucial for businesses that deal with sensitive or proprietary content, as it ensures that their assets are safe and secure.

3. What Should You Look for in a Digital Asset Management System?

When choosing a Digital Asset Management system, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, you should look for a system that is user-friendly and easy to navigate. This will ensure that your team can quickly adopt the system and start using it effectively.

Secondly, you should consider the scalability of the system. As your business grows, you will likely need to manage more digital assets, so it’s important to choose a system that can accommodate this growth.

Thirdly, you should look for a system that offers robust security features, such as encryption and access controls. This will ensure that your digital assets are protected from unauthorized access or theft.

Finally, you should consider the level of support and training offered by the DAM provider. A good provider will offer comprehensive training and support to help you get the most out of your DAM system.

In conclusion, Digital Asset Management is an essential aspect of modern business operations. By considering these three key questions, you can ensure that you choose the right DAM system for your organization and effectively manage your digital assets.