A digital asset management solution is a software system that provides a systematic approach to the efficient storing, organizing, managing, retrieving, and distributing of an organization’s digital assets. Digital Asset Management (DAM) is both a business process and method of information management technology. Its functionality creates a central location where media assets can be stored and accessed. A digital asset is a type of file with a value that’s in a digital format, can be searched with metadata, and features access and usage rights. Examples of digital assets include documents, images, audio files, videos, animations, graphics, and any digital media that includes usage rights.
What a DAM Solution Does
A digital asset management system streamlines asset management and optimizes the creation of rich media, especially within sales and marketing teams, by putting digital assets in a central location. This results in brand consistency through the reinforcement of brand guidelines and automatic asset updates, which creates a more consistent user experience. Content management and marketing teams use DAM to repurpose branded content and reduce needless production costs and duplicate workstreams. Brands need to portray consistent images and messaging to build a strong brand identity and generate business growth.
DAM Integrations and Connectivity
A DAM system isn’t the only location for digital assets. Digital content libraries make it possible to search and download in different systems such as Slack, Adobe Photoshop, and Illustrator. Part of improving the user experience means having the right integrations with the digital tools already in use. DAM integrations with front-end components are a key requirement for DAM technologies. A rich API and range of plugins and integrations across different types of digital tools (product information management, content management systems, social media integrations, etc.) are also key requirements that DAM solutions should have.
It’s common for DAM solutions to have AI capabilities embedded to intelligently tag and cross-reference assets. Leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning allows DAM systems to predict content needs and make suggestions to users. This allows organizations to make real-time adjustments to their marketing tasks to maintain a competitive advantage.
When deciding on the right integrated DAM solution, marketing teams can save time, eliminate waste, and govern brand guidelines with a purpose-built digital asset management tool from Welcome Software. Digital assets can be compiled into a single location, making it easier to find, access, and repurpose approved content. Advanced filters features empower team members to find the right assets quickly, and asset managers can track assets to ensure the latest versions are used.
When brand assets are organized and stored in the same place, it’s easier to search and find the right content with advanced labeling and nesting and intuitive search features. A DAM solution allows marketing teams to maximize the life of assets by allowing team members to download, edit, and repurpose approved content. The ability to identify high-value assets leads to an increase in productivity and content usage and ease of distribution.
Capabilities of a DAM Solution
There are several capabilities to look for in a DAM solution. It should support the asset lifecycle and role-based permissions, feature integration with existing solutions and future systems adoption, and provide bidirectional flexibility to search metadata. A DAM solution should have import and export capabilities to share assets and search results. DAM solutions can be on-premise software storage or cloud-based storage, so be sure to consider the reliability, flexibility, scalability, performance, and recoverability of assets. The speed and efficiency of file transfers affect the speed of business processes. Look for a DAM solution that allows users to share and use assets when and where needed.
Organizations across a variety of industries utilize DAM solutions to maintain access rights, control, and the integrity of their digital assets. It’s a centralized holistic solution that helps create a more consistent and more compelling customer experience.
