Digital Asset Management Systems (DAMS)
DAMS selection can vary in cost and duration but it should always begin with three core pieces of work, no matter how small the project.
Building your requirements
You’ve probably been thinking about how the perfect DAMS will work for a while. I can help your build a robust list of specific requirements by assessing your current production processes, interviewing key stakeholders and suggesting tried and tested DAM workflows and functions. Building this list at the very start is key to making sure you kind the right fit for your DAMS.
Recommendations
Outside of your DAM requirements are many other considerations : How much should you spend? Are your requirements achievable? What other resources will be required? I can provide a recommendations report for you to take to your stakeholders, making project communication and sign-off a breeze.
Project planning
If your DAMS project has the go-ahead, let me help you create a realistic and succinct project timeline, building in achievable milestones and stakeholder requirements.
As your project progresses, we can work together to build the right DAM solution for you and your organisation.
Select your product
With your requirements set, I’ll lead you through the Request for Proposal (RFP), linking you to key DAMS vendors that might be the right fit for you. Setting up demos and asking them the right questions, we’ll ensure that your procurement process is watertight.
Build it!
This is when everything begins to come together, but it can take time to get it just right. I have experience of building and adapting DAMS and all that entails - workflows, users and permissions, metadata requirements and much more. You’ll see your DAMS start to take shape and begin to test and adapt the system.
Content migration
No DAMS is of any use without its assets. You will most likely have some assets to be uploaded, whether they’re from your previous DAMS, servers and hard drives, or a mixture of both. This process can be tricky to get right, especially if you’re lacking the metadata you need. Taking this and things like GDPR and consent into account, I can lead this process in the most efficient way possible.
With the nuts and bolts in place, these final steps will lead to creating a successful DAMS that will be adopted with enthusiasm across the organisation.
Governance
Not all DAMS were created equal, and those with a strong governance policy - the rules that bind your system, assets and users - are certainly going to be the most well maintained, used and loved of them all. I can write, or adapt, your policy according to your organisation’s needs, and advise your stakeholders in industry best-practice.
Marketing and roll-out
Working with your internal comms, brand and IT teams, the launch (or relaunch) of your new DAMS should ensure all of its users can see the value of using it from the start. Not only that but the first users will become your DAM Champions, and should be seen as a key part of the launch.
Training
It might only take one session or none at all with comprehensive and accessible training materials ready to be used by your users as well as administrators. Full training in systems management, governance and asset management should be one of your biggest considerations for the DAMS manager.