Compare DAM systems for your organization: a practical guide
Digital assets such as images, videos and documents are critical to the success of any organization today. So you too might just be looking for a Digital Asset Management (DAM) system to organize, manage and distribute all those assets efficiently and effectively. But how do you compare different solutions and evaluate which one best suits your needs? With this blog, Sebastiaan de Ruiter helps you make an informed choice. With over twenty years of experience, he is happy to give you some practical tips and considerations for comparing DAM systems.
More and more digital assets
Whether it's the consistent use of your logo, the quick availability of your latest campaigns or the right product image in your web shop; the number of digital files and applications continues to grow for any organization. To organize, manage and distribute all that efficiently and effectively is a hell of a task. A DAM system can help, but how do you choose a system that suits you? By following these steps and considering the factors mentioned above, you can make an informed choice for a DAM system that best suits your needs and budget.
Step 1. Determine your needs
The first step is to determine exactly what you need from a DAM system. Make a list of your functional requirements, such as storage capacity: how many digital assets do you want to store, where are they now and do you need to clean them up first? Also consider file management: what types of files do you want to manage? Consider what information you want to add to your assets and how you want to be able to find them with search and filtering capabilities. Do you need workflows for approving and publishing assets? Does your DAM system need to integrate with other systems?
Step 2. Explore available options.
There are numerous DAM systems on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Do research on the different vendors and read reviews from other companies. Pay attention to functionality: does the system offer all the functionality you need, considering your future needs? Is the system user-friendly for you and your team? Can the system integrate with the other systems you use? Does the vendor offer good and personalized service that suits your organization? And does the price fit within your budget?
Step 3. Request some demos
The best way to see if a DAM system suits you is to experience it. Request a demo from the vendors you are most interested in. During the demo, you can see the system in action and ask all your questions directly. Don't settle for a standard demo environment, but ask for a customized demo. Ask to be shown how similar organizations do it. Only then will you get a clear picture of how the system works and whether it meets your requirements.
Step 4. Make a comparison
Make a comparison table where you put all the features and prices of the different systems side by side. This will give you a good overview and allow you to make the best choice for your organization. Don't forget to also include the future-proofing of the system in your considerations. A DAM system should not only meet your current needs, but also be flexible enough to grow with you.
Step 5. Don't forget the ROI
A DAM system is an investment, and here it is essential to map out the ROI. Don't let price alone guide you; cheap can often be expensive. Also look at what your organization's business case is. Consider the hidden costs you currently incur, such as time and money lost searching for and managing unnecessary duplicates and different versions in unclear folder structures in different storage locations. Many organizations don't realize how many inefficiencies and costs are involved.
Additional tips
Involve key (and skeptical) stakeholders in the selection process. This helps ensure that the system meets everyone's needs.
Read available case studies and white papers to learn more about how other organizations are using DAM systems.
Attend a DAM conference or webinar. This is a great way to learn more about the latest trends and developments in DAM.
Want to know more?
Want to learn more about how to choose the best DAM system for your organization? Contact us today for a no-obligation demo and discover the options that best fit your needs. We'd love to help you get started on your way to managing your digital assets more efficiently and effectively.