Over 9 years of KWF & Comrads: Image bank
Over 9 years of Comrads at KWF: from a messy archive to Image bank tightly organized Image bank. Nine years ago, KWF took an important digital step: the implementation of the Image bank DAM system) from Comrads. What once started as a system that was not considered very user-friendly has now grown into an indispensable part of daily communication and campaigning. Thanks to a smart upgrade, committed colleagues, and close collaboration with the Comrads team, the Image bank is Image bank better, faster, and above all: loved.
From complicated to intuitive
When KWF first started working with Comrads, not everything went smoothly. The navigation was clunky and users found the system difficult to use. Under Henk's guidance, this changed a few years later. Inspired by an example from ING, he convinced the team of the need for a system upgrade. And with success: the upgrade resulted in a huge leap forward in user-friendliness and functionality. Since then, the Image bank has Image bank of KWF.
An organization-wide visual culture
KWF employs over 200 colleagues, 50 of whom have an image bank account. Approximately 30 of them actively use the system, mainly content specialists and, to a lesser extent, campaign coordinators and other colleagues. Usage varies: some log in a few times a year for specific campaigns, while content specialists use it on a daily basis. They are the driving force behind the management, approvals, and maintenance of the Image bank.
Images with meaning
Images at KWF are more than just visual support; they convey people's stories. This requires care. Strict protocols apply, especially to patient images. Every use requires approval from patient relationship managers, and in the event of death, the family is also asked for their consent to any posthumous use. Other categories, such as activists and researchers, have more flexible workflows, but internal control and approval remain mandatory.
This careful approach underscores the responsibility with which KWF handles images.
Uploading, managing, and cleaning up
Although the Image bank is Image bank widely used, upload discipline remains a challenge. Campaign coordinators are formally responsible for uploads, but in practice, content specialists often take over this task. In addition, the archive is a growing pain: thousands of photos, of which only a handful are actually used. And some of which do not contain the required meta information. That is why KWF is working on a major clean-up project, in which content that is not accessible to everyone will be removed or, with additional information, made visible to users again.
Once that project is complete, an information campaign will be launched for all employees to ensure that the Image bank is used Image bank more effectively.
Stronger together with Comrads
Anyone who asks KWF about their collaboration with Comrads will quickly be greeted with a smile. Not because everything went smoothly, but because behind every technical system there is a human story. From the outset, the Comrads team was ready to contribute ideas, listen, and work together to find solutions.
Human collaboration behind the technology
Laura, now the permanent point of contact on behalf of Comrads, has become almost an extension of the KWF team. Whether it's a small question or a complex consultation, she responds quickly and with genuine commitment. Problems never linger for long: bugs are often fixed the same day, with clear communication about what is happening and why. She also joins the team twice a year to discuss how the system can be improved.
Henk is also a well-known name within KWF. His calm, step-by-step approach proved to be a great success during the initial implementation and subsequent developments. He helped the team navigate complex processes, without rushing, but with a focus on what really works.
Continuous improvement through committed partners
What KWF particularly appreciates is the way Comrads innovates without pushing. New features and links are always shared with explanations and room to decide for yourself what suits you best. That inspires confidence.
It is this open, respectful collaboration that makes KWF feel not just like a customer, but like a partner. Together, they are building a system that is not only technically robust, but also fits in with the way KWF wants to work: carefully, humanely, and with an eye to the future. As one of the team members aptly summarized: "Comrads not only thinks along with us, but also ahead. And that makes all the difference."
Smart tools for everyday convenience
One of the most frequently used features is the cropping tool. It saves a lot of time when making quick adjustments to social media images. Whereas content specialists would normally use other tools or Photoshop, the cropping tool offers a convenient alternative within the system itself.
Conclusion: growth, collaboration, and careful image management
Following the introduction of Comrads, KWF has now had a system for almost 10 years that not only functions, but also connects. From technical upgrades to human collaboration, the story of KWF and Comrads is one of growth, commitment, and professional image management. An Image bank not only stores images, but also keeps stories alive.
Ready for a smart Image bank, just like KWF?
Curious to see how your team can evolve from chaotic archiving to careful image management, with user-friendly tools, streamlined workflows, and a forward-thinking partner? Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting with our DAM experts. Together, we will explore what works for your organization. Or take our free DAM Quickscan and immediately discover potential areas for improvement.