DAM Knowledge How to Make DAM Work for Creative Asset Management For a DAM to truly work for creative asset management, it needs to address five requirements that are unique to creative teams. April 23, 2024 Jeffrey Bates Creative Director 5 min read Professional creative teams today are producing way more content than ever before. In fact, the stats might surprise you – creative teams create about 90% of the world’s total data. And the need for content is showing no signs of slowing down. That’s why a creative asset management system is a crucial aspect to your tech stack.The need for content is coming hard and fast, and showing no signs of slowing down. Modern creative teams are under immense pressure to create – and quickly. So much so that it’s negatively impacting their ability to “create” effectively.According to InSource, 60% of creative professionals serve more than 20 stakeholders or employees within their organization. Dealing with such a high number of stakeholders means even tighter deadlines – when all creatives really need is the proper time frame to do their jobs well.The unrealistic delivery times for creatives has hindered the quality of work they can produce when adhering to these kinds of deadlines which is why efficient creative asset management is essential.What is Creative Asset Management?Creative asset management is a system or approach designed to organize, store, manage, distribute, and analyze creative assets in a centralized manner.These digital assets typically include media files such as images, videos, audio, graphics, and other creative content used in marketing, advertising, and other creative processes.In fact, creative asset management is generally interchangeable with digital asset management.Dispersed Creative Teams Need Creative Asset ManagementNot only are creatives pumping out more content at a faster rate, they’re also trying to do so while working across various locations and time zones. 63% of companies have someone on their team working remotely, and this is only going to increase with the movement towards a hybrid workforce. These demands have created two major challenges:Managing, organizing and tracking all files within the creative process.Creative teams are in a unique position where they need seamless, ongoing access to the increasing amount of WIP, source and final files being worked on across an entire team.Doing so in a way that improves productivity and continuity.Despite the distribution of teams, they still need to be able to collaborate on projects as though they’re physically in the same building.What are the Key Components of Creative Asset Management?Creative asset management involves several key processes, including storing, accessing, managing, and distributing assets. Let’s break down each process to understand its role in creative asset management.Central StorageCreative asset storage involves keeping digital assets in a centralized location for easy retrieval and management. A creative asset management system typically provides cloud-based storage, allowing teams to store various types of assets, such as images, videos, audio files, and documents. Proper organization, such as a clear folder structure, ensures assets are easy to find and access when needed.Easy AccessWith a creative asset management system in place, users can access assets from any location with an internet connection. Access controls are often implemented to ensure security and restrict access to authorized users only. This process ensures that the right people can access the assets they need without compromising data security.Effective ManagementEffective asset management involves overseeing the entire lifecycle of creative assets. This process includes organizing, cataloging, and updating assets as needed. Creative asset management tools enable version control, allowing teams to track changes and maintain a detailed history of asset edits. Additionally, collaborative features like real-time commenting and automated workflows streamline the management process.Seamless DistributionSeamless distribution of creative assets involves sharing with internal teams or external stakeholders. Creative asset management systems provide various sharing methods, such as custom links or user permissions, allowing users to control how others interact with their assets. Sharing options can include download, view-only, or editing permissions. These controls ensure that assets are shared securely and that all users work with the correct versions.Solutions for Creative Asset ManagementTo address the challenges of creative asset management, both marketing and creative teams can turn to a wide range of solutions, from project management systems, to file sharing solutions. But even with these platforms in place, they still have no true visibility into work-in-progress (WIP) assets and typically only see the assets when they’re ready for approval. This causes a huge gap in the range of vision on active projects and can result in significant delays, a loss of critical information and difficulty tracking the most up-to-date versions of assets.For a creative asset management system to truly work for creatives, the solution needs to address challenges that are unique to creative teams. Specifically, it needs to meet the following five requirements:Maintain Creative SpeedContinuously Sync Creative FilesMaintain Creative WorkflowImprove Asset DiscoverabilityTrack and Manage WIP1. Maintain Creative SpeedSpeed is absolutely critical for creative teams. Working with cloud-based assets can be a challenge for high-volume creatives because it introduces a lag-time; relies on an internet connection; and causes frustration as the time delay adds up. A DAM solution needs to address these challenges and can’t slow down a creative’s production time or, ultimately, they’ll find a workaround.2. Continuously Sync Creative FilesFor a DAM to work for creatives, there needs to be a two-way, continual connection between their desktops and the DAM, without adding the extra load of uploading and re-uploading files all day. Project continuity can be a challenge for teams, especially when they cross time zones. Design files should continually be updating in the DAM—no matter where the creative working on it is in the world. The two-way, continual connection provides continuity needed for creative professionals to do their jobs and ensures that projects can continue easily, even when someone is out of the office.3. Maintain Creative WorkflowA DAM needs to feel just as easy for creatives as working with their desktop—as they already have their set creative workflows in place. If a DAM adds extra steps and, even worse, requires someone to log into another tool to download, upload or access files, adoption will likely be low and creatives will turn to their own desktop files instead.4. Improve Asset DiscoverabilityOne of the key features of a DAM is the advanced search capabilities it provides. Permission-based categories, along with advanced search capabilities and filters, AI-generated tags, and detailed information on the asset, needs to be implemented thoughtfully – with the creative team in mind. The DAM needs to enable creatives to find their design assets—logos, stock photos, templates – easier than working from their desktop. This means that despite not logging into the DAM directly (such as from a desktop application), they still need access to the same search functionality of the DAM.5. Track and Manage WIPWhile work-in-progress files need to be trackable, creative teams often don’t want to expose their work to end-users until it’s ready for distribution. Within a DAM, creatives should be able to see the entire process from ideation to distribution – the assets considered, inspiration, alternative versions, comments, etc. – while keeping these creative categories private from other departments. When the creative space is kept separate from the rest of the DAM, it becomes a safe place for creatives to work together on projects, even when the teams are globally dispersed. Permission-based settings also enable creative leaders to see progress without having to request updates from each individual creative.When a digital asset management solution is integrated with creative software and project management systems, it can truly address a creative team’s asset woes. When integrated with CI HUB, MediaValet is the perfect solution for creative asset management.CI HUB and MediaValet IntegrationOur solution to creative asset management? Connecting creative operations software and DAM like CI HUB and MediaValet.The MediaValet and CI HUB integration combines the benefits of working from a local server or remote computer with those of the Cloud, helping your creative teams secure and manage their creative files while accelerating their creative process. With CI HUB, you can:Automatically synchronize and back up your creative team’s local project files in the cloud – 24/7.Track and view all source and work-in-progress files – no matter where your teams are located.Accelerate and secure your creative process without adding extra steps or changing workflows.CI HUB ensures the continuity of your creative assets, projects, campaigns and processes. If these functionalities sound like something your creative team could benefit from, learn more about CI HUB here!. Related Articles DAM Knowledge DAM vs CMS: How Are They Different? Read more DAM Knowledge The Essential Guide to Digital Asset Management Workflows Read more DAM Knowledge The Beginners Guide to Building a DAM Taxonomy Read more DAM Knowledge Understanding DAM User Roles Read more What a DAM good read! Fuel your DAM knowledge by browsing our Resource library Build My DAM Knowledge
Product DAM Templates: Benefits, Use Cases & Examples In this post, we’ll cover how MediaValet’s templating solutions alleviate common pain points, boost productivity, and protect brand identity. April 18, 2024 Carlie Mason Director of Growth Marketing 3 min read Creative teams often shoulder the weight of asset requests—whether it’s helping locate them, distributing them, making edits, or creating something completely new. This is a huge pain point for many organizations and one of the biggest challenges we help clients solve with DAM. MediaValet’s template features, in particular, empower various departments to do simple, on-brand design tasks, freeing up bandwidth for creatives.DAM template features empower various departments to do simple, on-brand design tasks, freeing up bandwidth for creatives.Templates in a DAM are vast and varied – tailored to each organization. In this post, we’ll cover:How DAM templating solutions alleviate common pain pointsDam template use casesThe future of DAM templates and AIHow DAM templating solutions alleviate common pain pointsSave Time & Boost ProductivityHaving your design team waste time on minor modifications or variations of the same document can deteriorate productivity. But oftentimes, designers are relied on to modify the asset and distribute it, for example, when a sales manager needs to alter the price list for a new location or update contact information on a brochure. How great would it be if the sales manager had the tools to update the document independently?With DAM templates, users can easily update documents independently. Designers can create master templates and even make them foolproof by locking specific elements such as graphics, images or text. Once they’re added to MediaValet, even those with limited knowledge of design software are easily able to make changes and download the file in a variety of formats, such as JPEG, PNG, PDF or HTML. The sales team gets what they need quickly, and designers are no longer flooded with small requests that we know absorb a substantial amount of their time—allowing them to focus on other important creative tasks.Protect Your Brand IdentityAnother huge benefit of using DAM templates is maintaining brand consistency and identity. As an added security, for any given template, designers are able to curate which assets can be used to customize the template (for example, a selection of 5 headers). End-users can then easily access these templates (preventing duplications and saving time) and only update specific sections or elements – ensuring everything is kept to the highest brand standards.DAM Templates Example Use CasesHere are some common use cases for DAM templating solutions.Region-Specific Marketing CollateralA home decor store is preparing a new print flyer for their upcoming patio furniture sale. As this flyer will be used in stores across three different states in the US, they each require different list pricing.With DAM templating, the head designer creates a master template for the flyer and uploads it to MediaValet. From there, the marketing manager accesses the template and edits it to customize the flyer pricing for each state and uploads the new assets to MediaValet. These flyers are then distributed to their appropriate store locations through a Branded Portal.Contact Information CustomizationA telecommunications company is producing a one-page flyer to promote their new internet packages.The marketing team creates a master template of the flyer, which will allow for individual sales representatives to add their own contact information. This master template is then added to MediaValet and shared with the sales team. Each sales representative can alter the flyer to include their name, work email and phone number, ensuring their clients can easily contact them for more information or to purchase a new internet package.Employee IdentificationA healthcare organization has recently updated their security policy and enforced that each employee wears an identification badge while in the office.The design team prepares a badge template, uploads it to MediaValet, and then shares it with the human resources team. The HR coordinator then creates a badge for each employee by quickly swapping headshot images and updating the name and job title text fields.How AI and Automation will Change DAM TemplatesLooking ahead, digital asset management systems continues to innovate, integrating AI to automate routine tasks not only save time but also anticipate the evolving needs of our users, preparing them for the next wave of digital marketing challenges.AI-Driven Efficiency GainsUtilizing advanced machine learning algorithms, DAM systems can automatically tag new assets as they are uploaded. This improves searchability and retrieval of templates, saving significant time for marketing teams, sales and revenue teams, and creative teams.The ability to automatically adjust the size and format of digital assets based on predefined criteria for different platforms ensures optimal presentation and adherence to platform-specific requirements.Predictive Analytics and User Behavior InsightsAI in DAM can track and analyze how different assets perform and how they are used across various departments. These insights can guide creatives in developing more effective materials and help managers make informed decisions about asset development and deployment.Preparing for Digital Marketing ChallengesAs the digital landscape continues to evolve, the integration of AI and automation within DAM systems and templating capabilities prepares organizations to face new content challenges with agility.From effectively managing ever-increasing asset volumes to ensuring real-time, tailored content delivery across global channels, AI-powered DAM capabilities are designed to not only keep pace with changes but also to drive innovation in how digital asset management is approached.These enhancements signal a transformative shift in managing digital assets, where technology not only supports creative tasks but actively enhances the creative process and ensures that marketing efforts are both efficient and strategically aligned with future trends. Related Articles Product 3 Use Cases for Custom Category Permissions Read more Product What is a Digital Watermark and Why is Digital Watermarking Software Important? Read more Product How Our New UI Makes Asset Management a Breeze: Introducing the New MediaValet Experience Read more Product Cloud Digital Asset Management: Definition, Benefits, and More Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
Security Digital Rights Management Explained Digital rights management (DRM) can protect digital assets. We explain how a dedicated DAM system can facilitate effective digital rights management. April 10, 2024 Nuala Cronin Content Manager 5 min read In today’s digital age it is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of digital rights management (DRM). Content creation and distribution have become more important and far reaching than ever while content management is becoming more and more difficult to control. To top it off, copyright infringement has increased exponentially. So, as an organization with terabytes worth of digital assets, and an asset library that is guaranteed to grow, how can you protect your brand and your brand assets? Even if you catch the individual or entity that has stolen your digital property, engaging in a lawsuit will probably cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars, so what is the best course of action? Preemptive protection or digital rights management. Digital rights management can significantly protect digital property, and a dedicated digital asset management (DAM) system can massively support rights management initiatives. But let’s delve into it in detail. This blog post will cover: What is Digital Rights Management? Who Needs to Understand Digital Rights Management?, and How Does a DAM Help Support Digital Rights Management? What is Digital Rights Management and Why is it Necessary? Digital rights management refers to the legal access, licensing, and copyrights of digital assets. The scope of DRM can protect organizations and stakeholders from asset misuse through access control and usage restrictions, licensingand expirationdates, It’s important to uphold digital rights management across entire organizations but there are three main stakeholders that carry the responsibility. Digital Asset Managers, Marketing teams, and Creative teams need to have a clear understanding of how DRM impacts their work, and in turn protects the organization’s brand. Who Needs to Understand Digital Rights Management? Digital Asset Managers: Digital asset managers oversee, implement and maintain the DAM. Responsibilities of a digital asset manager include acquiring, organizing and cataloguing digital assets. They also oversee the security of digital assets, enforce DAM best practices. By implementing DRM measures, digital asset managers can control access to their valuable content, preventing unauthorized individuals from reproducing, distributing, or profiting from their creative works without permission. DRM is instrumental in safeguarding intellectual property. It provides robust protection against unauthorized use, piracy, and plagiarism of digital assets. Marketers: When it comes to marketing teams, DRM practices can help to effectively safeguard brand integrity by preventing unauthorized use of logos, images, and other brand assets. can effectively protect brand assets, ensure secure distribution of digital marketing materials, and gain actionable insights through metrics and analytics. Following digital rights management procedures enables marketing teams to have strict control over the distribution and usage of their valuable assets, reducing the risk of unauthorized use and ultimately, protecting the brand’s visual identity. Creative Professionals: Creative professionals need to understand that effective digital rights management helps to deter unauthorized use of creative works by clearly indicating ownership, copyright information, plagiarism protection and usage rights. By incorporating DRM, creatives can assert ownership over their brand assets, ensuring that their rights are clearly defined and legally protected. This protection not only deters unauthorized use and distribution but also facilitates the secure sharing of their work, allowing for collaboration without compromising control. How Does a DAM Help Support Digital Rights Management? Digital asset management systems like MediaValet are an integral tool in supporting digital rights management (DRM) efforts. It provides a centralized repository for storing and organizing assets, making it easier to track ownership and usage rights. By implementing a DAM, organizations can effectively manage, protect, and control their digital assets and facilitate DRM through watermarking, metadata management, and access controls. Digital Asset Managers: Asset managers can use custom permission settings to define and enforce specific permissions for different user groups, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access, modify, or distribute digital assets. This level of control helps maintain the integrity and exclusivity of their content, reducing the risk of unauthorized or inappropriate use. They can use DAM reporting and audit logs to efficiently track and monitor digital asset usage. This feature is particularly valuable in ensuring compliance with licensing agreements. Audit logs can provide insights into how, when, and by whom the content is being utilized. By leveraging DAM, digital asset managers can enforce licensing terms, monitor usage restrictions, and identify any potential violations or misuse of their assets to maximize the value and profitability of their digital assets while ensuring compliance with licensing agreements. Marketers: A digital asset management solution plays a critical role in secure content distribution for digital marketing materials. Clear labelling of assets with metadata and the application of expiration dates can provide a secure framework for content distribution. It can prevent unauthorized sharing, duplication, or modification of the digital marketing assets, thereby preserving campaign effectiveness and maintaining the desired message consistency across various channels. DAM systems also offer valuable metrics and analytics capabilities that provide insights into content performance and audience engagement. These systems can track and monitor the usage of digital marketing assets, enabling marketers to gather data on how their content is being consumed, shared, and engaged with by the target audience. This information allows for data-driven decision-making, helping to optimize marketing strategies, identify successful campaigns, and refine future content creation efforts. Creative Professionals: Forensic watermarking can help deter unauthorized use of creative works by clearly indicating ownership. Visible and invisible watermarks help deter unauthorized use of creative works by clearly indicating ownership. Metadata, such as copyright information and usage rights, embedded within digital assets, assists in tracking and establishing ownership, providing evidence of authorship and protecting against plagiarism. Licensing agreements should clearly define how their works can be used, ensuring that their intellectual property is not exploited without proper consent. A DAM system can enforce licensing terms, track usage permissions, and facilitate secure distribution, protecting the creative professional’s rights and ensuring compliance with licensing agreements. A digital asset management solution can also enable secure collaboration by providing granular access controls, allowing creative professionals to share assets with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders while ensuring that permissions are strictly adhered to. This ensures that sensitive or unfinished work is protected and shared only with authorized individuals, mitigating the risk of unauthorized use or premature release of creative assets. Digital Rights Management is a critical aspect of modern content management, enabling digital asset managers, marketers, and creative professionals to protect their valuable intellectual property and maintain control over its distribution and usage. By implementing a digital asset management system like MediaValet organizations can safeguard their digital assets, ensure compliance and protect their brand as they continue to grow. Related Articles Security The Most Common Online Security Threats to Businesses in 2025 Read more Security Prioritizing DAM Security from the Start: Addressing this Common Oversight in Vendor Selection Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
DAM Knowledge Why DAM is the Premier Enterprise Content Management System Enterprise content management systems have evolved from traditional file sharing solutions to robust, secure digital asset management systems. Learn why MediaValet is the premier Enterprise DAM! March 28, 2024 Nuala Cronin Content Manager 5 min read Elevating enterprise efficiency has never been more critical, as organizations worldwide navigate the complexities of managing an ever-expanding volume of documents and digital assets. This challenge demands a solution that not only ensures security and accessibility but also bolsters effective enterprise content management to support operations, compliance, and strategic initiatives.Traditional document management systems frequently struggle to meet the multifaceted needs of large-scale organizations. Enter the era of Digital Asset Management (DAM).The Critical Role of Content Management in EnterprisesAt the heart of operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and information security within any large organization lies effective content management. It encompasses a broad array of processes, systems, and practices dedicated to managing the lifecycle of content and digital assets—from their inception and storage to their retrieval, distribution, and eventual archival.These days, data represents a pivotal asset so mastering its efficient management is indispensable for the success of any organization. Interested in how to buy a DAM for enterprise organizations?Get the eBook to find out:Understanding how to better enable an ever-growing distributed workforceCritical questions to ask to uncover your organization’s DAM needsThe top considerations when evaluating a DAM vendor Traditional Content Management: A Foundation with FlawsHistorically, enterprises have leaned on platforms like Google Drive, SharePoint, and various legacy on-premises solutions to meet their content management needs.These systems marked the advent of digital asset storage and collaboration, providing essential features such as file sharing, version control, and basic access permissions. But they’re limited.Challenges and LimitationsThe scalability of these traditional file management solutions often fails to align with the evolving needs of growing or large organizations, revealing significant limitations:Security Vulnerabilities: Traditional platforms may lack the advanced security features necessary to safeguard sensitive information, exposing organizations to the risks of data breaches and cyber threats.Data Silos: These solutions can foster the creation of data silos, compartmentalizing information and making it inaccessible to other organizational segments, thereby impeding collaboration and informed decision-making.Scalability and Integration Issues: Conventional systems may not scale effectively with an enterprise’s expanding demands and might exhibit poor integration with other tools, leading to operational inefficiencies and information bottlenecks.The Advancement to Digital Asset ManagementDAM represented a pivotal advancement in the enterprise arena, transforming the management, security, and utilization of digital assets.DAM systems introduce a centralized, secure, and scalable framework that transcends the limitations inherent in traditional document management approaches, thereby redefining the paradigm for digital content management across the board.Leading the charge in the DAM revolution, contemporary solutions meet the intricate demands of enterprise-level organizations. These solutions enable efficiency, higher user satisfaction, and substantial value.Key Features of Advanced DAM Solutions for EnterprisesExploring the capabilities of top-tier DAM solutions, it becomes clear how these platforms cater to the specific needs of large organizations, positioning themselves as essential tools for comprehensive enterprise document management:Global Reach with Local Performance: Top DAM solutions offer a global infrastructure, ensuring swift access to digital assets from any worldwide location, thereby eliminating the hurdles of geographical constraints and remote teams on performance and accessibility.Unmatched Security and Compliance: With robust security measures such as encryption and secure access controls, coupled with adherence to stringent industry standards, leading DAM platforms guarantee an unparalleled level of protection for enterprise assets.Scalability and Reliability: Designed to grow with an organization’s evolving needs, these platforms support an unlimited influx of users, assets, and storage demands, all while maintaining a steadfast uptime guarantee.Seamless Integrations and Open API: The integration capabilities of premier DAM systems, bolstered by open APIs and pre-built connections, facilitate smooth interoperability with existing enterprise ecosystems, including ERP, CRM, and marketing automation tools, thus streamlining workflows across various departments.AI-Driven Insights and Automation: Leveraging the power of artificial intelligence, top DAM solutions offer functionalities like auto-tagging and intelligent search, dramatically reducing manual effort and enhancing the efficiency of asset management and discoverability.Dedicated Customer Success: A hallmark of leading DAM platforms is their commitment to exceptional customer support. Through dedicated teams focused on implementation, training, and ongoing assistance, organizations are empowered to fully leverage their investment in digital asset management.By providing a comprehensive, secure, and highly adaptable platform, advanced DAM solutions empower enterprise organizations to effectively manage their digital content, fostering enhanced operational efficiency, collaboration, and strategic growth.MediaValet’s Impact: A Case for Enterprise DAMA MediaValet DAM is the premier choice in enterprise content management.Global distribution, customizable access, and hyper scale volume ingestion all matched with best-in-class security make MediaValet the best DAM software to meet enterprise-grade requirements.Enhancing Collaboration Across the EnterpriseA crucial advantage of MediaValet, is the ability to foster collaboration across different departments, external teams and geographical locations. Branded Portals enable seamless sharing of assets, ensuring that all team members have access to the latest versions. While CDN Linking allows organizations to accelerate content updates across CTAs, catalogues, and web properties. Securing Digital Assets in a Vulnerable WorldWith cybersecurity threats on the rise, the advanced security features of DAM systems are more important than ever. MediaValet offers robust protection for sensitive information, including encryption, secure access controls, and compliance with industry standards.With SSO and a robust suite of security compliance certifications, according to SecurityScorecard, MediaValet is the #1 DAM for security. Driving Innovation with AI and Machine LearningThe use of artificial intelligence and machine learning within DAM systems like MediaValet is revolutionizing asset management. By automating tasks such as tagging and categorizing content, AI enhances efficiency and frees up valuable time for creative and strategic endeavors.MediaValet is the leading video asset management DAM on the market with Audio Visual Intelligence (AVI) and Face Recognition, organizations can increase the potential of their entire asset libraries. As enterprises continue to navigate the complexities of digital transformation, the role of Digital Asset Management systems in enhancing efficiency, security, and collaboration has become undeniable.MediaValet is the ultimate choice in enterprise DAM, offering a comprehensive solution that not only addresses the limitations of traditional content management but also paves the way for innovation and strategic growth. By centralizing digital assets in a secure, accessible, and scalable platform, MediaValet empowers organizations to leverage their digital content to its fullest potential. Related Articles DAM Knowledge DAM vs CMS: How Are They Different? Read more DAM Knowledge The Essential Guide to Digital Asset Management Workflows Read more DAM Knowledge The Beginners Guide to Building a DAM Taxonomy Read more DAM Knowledge Understanding DAM User Roles Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
Creativity Eliminating Silos to Enhance Creative Team Productivity To thrive in a digital landscape, it's become critical that organizations address creative silos and facilitate creative team productivity. Find out how with the CIHUB and MediaValet integration. February 28, 2024 Clare McVeigh Product Marketing Specialist 5 min read As organizations look to thrive in a competitive digital landscape, embracing solutions that bridge the gap between technology and creativity has never been more critical. At the foundational level of this, creative team productivity is crucial. Yet while remote work and globally distributed teams are becoming more and more normal, creative teams find themselves in a challenging paradox. Technology has promised unparalleled connectivity and efficiency but sometimes, the reality is a fragmented landscape of tools and processes that deepen the silos within organizations, and a massive number of digital assets falling through the cracks. There’s a need to have a central repository that other tools in the stack can seamlessly connect to. Implementing a digital asset management system (DAM) that connects to creative operations software can be beneficial for the entire organization, especially when it comes to creative team productivity. The High Cost of Siloed Creativity The diversification of tech stacks has magnified existing workflow inefficiencies, and many creative teams are bogged down by the need to coordinate across different departments, resharing files, and navigating through inefficient project hand-offs. This relentless juggling act not only stifles creativity but also leads to wasted time, brand inconsistency, and delayed market entry. Adobe Creative Cloud, a pivotal tool for many creatives, is not immune to these challenges. While it aims to streamline creative asset management workflows, users frequently encounter hurdles that impair collaboration and productivity. This blog post will explore: The core challenges creatives, especially Adobe users, experience How challenges can be avoided with the right integrations, and The benefits the whole organization experiences when creatives silos are addressed Addressing the Core Pain Points for Creatives Despite its potential to streamline workflows, Adobe Creative Cloud users often encounter obstacles that hinder collaboration and productivity. Multi-Platform Slow Downs One significant bottleneck for teams using Adobe Creative Cloud is the hassle of platform switching, asset downloads and reuploads. The process of downloading, re-uploading, and sharing files is often so time-consuming that it negates the benefits of cloud storage, causing frustration and delays. Inefficient Project Hand Offs Adobe users know the dread of opening a project only to discover that assets aren’t linked, setting off a time-consuming hunt for missing assets. The dreaded manual task of creating a folder for each project and ensuring that all the linked assets are available is beyond frustrating. This scenario is emblematic of the broader issue of inefficient project hand-offs, where crucial time that could be spent on creative projects is wasted. No Central Repository The absence of a unified repository for completed projects exacerbates the chaos of human errors that come with an unconnected tech stack. Final and approved files can get stuck in the project management system, on someone’s personal computer or in the different libraries being used by sales or marketing teams leading to lost assets, redundant work, and asset duplication. The Business Challenges These Siloes Present Creative teams that are struggling to coordinate across departments may feel the initial pain of this problem, but ultimately, it leads to even bigger issues across an organization. Campaign Delays: The cumulative effect of these inefficiencies is felt most acutely in delayed campaign launches, with every hour spent troubleshooting which pushes back deadlines. Inefficient Tech Stack: Disjointed tools complicate workflows unnecessarily, slowing down even the simplest tasks. Reproduction Requests: The effort to recreate missing or inaccessible assets drains resources and hampers productivity. Limited Organizational Access: Difficulty in accessing assets hinders the entire organization’s ability to operate efficiently. The Strategic Advantage of CI HUB and MediaValet Integration The MediaValet and CI HUB integration is not just for Adobe Creative Cloud. You can also connect with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, Figma, Wordpress, and Sketch. And within any of those platforms, various teams, including creatives, marketers, and web teams, can seamlessly harness the assets stored in your company’s MediaValet DAM directly within these programs. If you’re creating or updating designs or documents, this integration upholds MediaValet as the singular source of truth. It guarantees that anyone utilizing it always accesses the most up-to-date version of each asset from your DAM. This unified approach eradicates any uncertainties or prolonged searches for the right file or version. Utilize CI HUB to swiftly locate assets through keywords, categories, file formats, filenames, metadata types and fields, collections, and more, ensuring a streamlined and efficient workflow. Integrating your creative system with your DAM can enable your entire organization to access finalized assets. This synergy offers: Improved Access to Assets Eliminate platform switching and manual downloads with direct access to all DAM assets within Adobe Creative Cloud, addressing cloud-based slowdowns. Leveraging AI-driven tags and intuitive filters, the integration revolutionizes how assets are found and used, drastically cutting down search times. Streamlined Project Hand-offs CI HUB identifies and downloads all linked assets from the DAM automatically, streamlining project hand-offs. Automatic cloud synchronization eliminates the frustration of missing links and misplaced files, ensuring assets are always prepared for the next project phase. Reduced Project Errors The integration is designed to fit seamlessly into existing workflows, minimizing the learning curve and facilitating easier adoption. By syncing assets directly to local environments, it minimizes workflow slowdowns, maintaining the speed essential for creative processes. Empowering Creativity Across the Board Beyond just addressing the pain points of creative teams, the CI HUB and MediaValet integration brings substantial benefits to creative directors, teams, and entire organizations by: Enhancing visibility into work-in-progress, which is vital for coordination among remote or distributed teams. Future-proofing creative workflows against the backdrop of an ever-evolving technological landscape. Ensuring business and brand continuity through robust, secure cloud-based asset management. Maximizing the return on investment for assets by improving access and utilization across different teams and projects. With the MediaValet CI HUB connector, creatives can seamlessly access and utilize assets stored in the DAM directly within Adobe Creative Cloud. Establishing a single source of truth with a DAM, and connecting your workflows to it ensures that everyone always works with the most up-to-date version of each asset. For creative teams mired in the challenges of siloed workflows and inefficient processes, particularly those utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud, the integration of CI HUB and MediaValet offers a beacon of hope. It not only alleviates immediate challenges but also sets the stage for a more collaborative, efficient, and creative future. Related Articles Creativity MediaValet Partner Showcase: Marq Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
Project Management and Workflows Boosting Global Campaigns With Project and Digital Asset Management Integration Discover how integrating project and digital asset management tools, like Wrike and MediaValet, can turbocharge your global campaigns. February 9, 2024 Nuala Cronin Content Manager 6 min read We all know that rapid campaign deployment is no longer optional in the current digital marketing landscape — it’s essential. Ensuring campaigns are well structured, targeted, and integrated is equally essential. That’s where the power of integrating modern project management (PM) and digital asset management (DAM) systems comes into play.Tools like Wrike and MediaValet are designed to ensure the path to fast and efficient campaign deployment is smooth.Tip: For a deeper dive into the role of Wrike in rapid campaign deployment, check out this recent blog post.Integrating Wrike and MediaValet will help your team quickly find the correct files, streamline approvals, and accelerate timelines for every project. Let’s dive in and see why integrating a PM with a DAM like MediaValet is just what your team needs to accelerate their go-to-market campaigns.We cover:Breaking down silos with PM and DAM integrationHow DAM accelerates market entryHow effective project management can accelerate campaignsIntegrating PM and DAM for global team collaborationHow Knute Nelson used MediaValet and WrikeBreaking down silos with integrated PM and DAMSeparate departments, duplicated work, and unclear objectives can make running go-to-market campaigns a real headache. Alleviate this pain by bringing together PM and DAM systems to make everything run smoother. It’s all about breaking down those walls and working together to get things done faster and more efficiently.The challenges of siloed departmentsOrganizations face several critical challenges when PM and DAM tools operate in isolation. Can you relate to any of these?Information is trapped within each department.This makes it challenging to share vital assets and updates across the organization in real time.Work is duplicated and resources are wasted.Teams may inadvertently recreate existing assets or pursue overlapping tasks without a centralized view of everything in progress.There is inconsistency in branding and messaging.Using outdated or incorrect assets leads to inconsistent messaging and a disjointed brand image across different campaigns.There are barriers to speed and agility.Each change requires time-consuming manual updates across multiple platforms, slowing campaign execution and reducing the organization’s ability to respond to market changes.Let’s see how an integrated approach can help tackle these challenges head on.Bridging the gap with Wrike and MediaValetIntegrating PM and DAM systems, like Wrike and MediaValet, can help you keep brand messaging consistent and share information consistently and accurately, leading to a more cohesive and efficient workflow. This integration creates a unified platform where teams can easily communicate, collaborate, and share digital assets in real time.Wrike’s comprehensive work management platform allows teams to automate, manage, analyze, and track projects in one place. By integrating Wrike with DAM solutions like MediaValet, teams can eliminate even more friction from their workflows and focus on their most impactful projects.How DAM meets the growing need for quick market entryThe rapid expansion of digital channels and the surge in online competition have increased the pressure on organizations to launch campaigns quickly and efficiently. This is where DAM systems like MediaValet shine. They’re not just tools; they’re a secret weapon in meeting the rising demand for quick market entry, helping launch campaigns swiftly in this highly competitive space.The pressure of speed in a digital ageToday, consumers have access to unprecedented information and options at their fingertips. This means businesses must quickly capture attention and convert interest into sales. Failure to bring a campaign to market can result in missed opportunities and lost revenue.MediaValet’s role in accelerating time to marketBy providing a centralized platform for storing, managing, and distributing digital assets, MediaValet streamlines the entire campaign process.Teams can quickly locate and use the assets they need without searching through disorganized files or waiting for files to be sent from other departments. This means significant time savings, ensuring you can go to market quicker.If you’re looking to boost your team’s productivity and accelerate your campaign execution, investing in a robust DAM system could be the key.Ensuring consistency across all campaign elementsGetting to market fast is great, but it’s not as meaningful or impactful if you don’t have consistency throughout your campaign. Maintaining a consistent brand message and aesthetic can be challenging, especially with multiple team members working on different campaign elements.With MediaValet, all digital assets are stored and managed in one place. All team members can access the same assets, ensuring a consistent look and feel across all campaign elements. Additionally, MediaValet’s version control features ensure everyone is constantly working with the most current assets, avoiding inconsistencies due to outdated or incorrect versions.By integrating Wrike and MediaValet and creating a unified platform for project management and digital asset management, teams work together more effectively and efficiently, accelerating campaign execution and ensuring a consistent, brand-aligned output.Let’s see why PM systems are becoming more important in increasing campaign success.Effective project management: The backbone of speedy campaignsWhile a unified DAM accelerates campaign deployment, PM tools are the backbone of speedy campaigns. They provide the structure and organization needed to execute tasks promptly. Wrike’s project management capabilities are instrumental in facilitating faster project completion and, thus, expedited campaign timelines.Efficient project tracking with WrikeOne of the critical features of Wrike is its efficient project tracking capabilities. With Wrike, teams can visualize their project timelines, track progress in real time, and adjust plans on the fly. This constant visibility allows for timely identification and resolution of potential bottlenecks or delays, ensuring projects stay on track and within the set timelines.Wrike’s project dashboards, in particular, provide an overview of all ongoing projects, their current status, and upcoming deadlines. This allows managers to gauge project health and progress quickly, ensuring no tasks or milestones fall through the cracks.Streamlined project executionWrike also shines in streamlining project execution. It allows team members to collaborate in a shared space, reducing the need for endless email threads or disjointed communication channels. Collaborators can comment on tasks, share updates, and discuss real-time changes, accelerating decision making and task execution.The platform also provides features like Gantt charts with task dependencies, highlighting the sequence of tasks and how they relate. This helps prioritize tasks, ensuring the team focuses on what’s most critical for moving the project forward.Wrike’s automation capabilities can further speed up project execution. Routine tasks like task assignment, status updates, and report generation can be automated, saving valuable time and allowing your team to focus more on strategic, high-value tasks.Accelerating campaign timelinesBy overseeing project tracking and execution on one platform, Wrike plays a significant role in accelerating campaign timelines. It ensures projects stay on course, while tasks are completed promptly.The integration of Wrike with MediaValet means your project management process is seamlessly linked with digital asset management, ensuring the necessary assets are readily available within the same platform.Integrating PM and DAM for global team collaborationWith teams working from various locations today, time zone differences can add complexity to collaboration. This is where the integration of Wrike and MediaValet can make a world of difference.Overcoming geographical challengesIntegrating PM and DAM tools is not just about managing projects and assets more effectively. It’s about bringing global teams closer together, fostering a culture of collaboration and leveraging the diverse talents and perspectives a global team brings. With today’s technology, geographical barriers are no longer at the forefront.Wrike and MediaValet combine to provide a unified, cloud-based platform for teams to collaborate, regardless of location. They break down the barriers of distance, making it easier for teams to communicate, share ideas, and work efficiently.Now that we’ve covered the benefits of integrating PM and DAM solutions, a real-world example may help you get a clearer picture of the power of combining tools like Wrike and MediaValet.Knute Nelson drives marketing efficiency with Wrike and MediaValetNon-profit organization Knute Nelson stored all of its assets on a private server to ensure the privacy and security of its customers. However, with many requests and individuals needing assets, the teams struggled to manage the workload and easily share content and assets for publishing.Knute Nelson realized it didn’t need to share any assets with customers’ personal health information; it only needed to share their product and service collateral. It just didn’t have a secure, user-friendly digital asset management to do so.As the team researched different DAM tools, MediaValet stood out, and a significant selling point was the option to integrate with Wrike. As soon as an asset is approved through the production process, Knute Nelson can select a document in Wrike, and it will upload directly into MediaValet without ever leaving the application. The benefits of this integration include:Improved organizationEnhanced discoverabilityIncreased productivityThe Knute Nelson team realized these tools checked all their boxes when searching for the perfect systems, and now they “couldn’t function” without them.“We invested in [Wrike and Media Valet] to allow us to personalize our experiences, making it as easy as possible for our teams and end users to make database decisions about our strategies. Because of this, we are doing more with less and are now able to scale as our industry grows by having the right tools to manage our work.” – Knute NelsonCheck out this case study for the full Knute Nelson story.Setting a new standard in campaign managementAs we navigate an era marked by digital acceleration and intensifying competition, the way we manage campaigns must evolve. Integrated project management and digital asset management tools are setting new standards in campaign management.These systems enable teams in the same office or across the globe to work together seamlessly, not only accelerating campaign execution but also ensuring a consistent, brand-aligned output.As tools like Wrike and MediaValet continue to evolve and innovate, we can expect to see even more transformative changes in the way we manage campaigns in the future. Learn more about how a DAM can help your organization by scheduling a demo with MediaValet today.If you’re not already using Wrike to accelerate your campaign management, it’s time you give it a test drive. Try Wrike for free and discover how your go-to-market campaigns can improve. Related Articles Project Management and Workflows Mastering Complex Project Workflows: Strategies for Efficient Project Management Read more Project Management and Workflows Integrating Your Project Management Ecosystem: A Comprehensive Guide Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
Marketing Enhancing Brand Management Operations with DAM Discover how MediaValet, a leading DAM system, revolutionizes brand management to transform a brand's digital presence & maintain its consistency. January 31, 2024 Nuala Cronin Content Manager 4 min read In the fast-paced world of marketing, brand management stands as a cornerstone for businesses in any industry. But what exactly is brand management? Simply put, brand management is the process of maintaining, improving, and upholding a brand so that it resonates with current and potential customers, stays consistent across all platforms, and ultimately contributes to a company’s goals.The Impact of Digital Transformation on Brand ManagementDigital transformation has radically altered how brands interact with their audience. It’s not just about adopting new technologies; it’s a profound shift in business operations, centered around customer needs and experiences. This transformation means more than just an online presence – it’s about integrating digital processes in every aspect of business to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.Brand management faces unprecedented challenges. Digital platforms have not only changed how consumers interact with brands but also how brands maintain their presence and reputation in the market.Amidst this flux, digital asset management (DAM) systems have emerged as a vital tool for companies seeking to navigate the complexities of the digital age.This blog post explores the evolving landscape of brand management in the era of digital transformation and how DAM systems offer a strategic solution to its challenges.In this blog post, we’ll delve into:Challenges in modern brand managementHarnessing DAM for effective brand managementHow MediaValet helped Experian through digital transformation and brand managementChallenges in modern brand management:The digital era has significantly transformed brand management. With the advent of social media, mobile technology, and digital channels, brands now have more platforms than ever to engage with their audience, meaning a higher volume of digital assets to manage and expectations to quickly adapt.For some brands, digital channels may even represent the only customer-business interaction. For brand management, this means adapting strategies to meet the expectations of a digitally savvy audience.The primary challenges include:Consistency and Coherence: With multiple digital platforms, maintaining brand consistency becomes harder to manage.Volume of Digital Assets: The sheer volume of digital content required to engage customers across various platforms can become overwhelming.Brand Agility: The rapid pace of change in digital trends demands agility in brand strategies.Brand Integrity: Safeguarding intellectual property and brand image in the digital space is increasingly complex.Brand management has evolved to be more dynamic, data-driven, and customer-centric than ever before.It requires tools and software that not only integrates seamlessly with the existing tech stack, but that also serves entire organizations.A Digital Asset Management (DAM) system is a powerful tool in the arsenal of modern brand management. It serves as a centralized repository for all digital assets, ensuring that the latest and most accurate versions of brand materials are accessible to stakeholders.At its core, a DAM system is a centralized repository that stores, organizes, manages, and distributes an organization’s digital assets. This includes images, videos, audio files, and other digital content. Beyond just storage, DAM systems enable efficient asset retrieval, version control, rights management, and integration with other marketing and business tools.Harnessing DAM Systems for Effective Brand ManagementDAM software streamlines the process of organizing and retrieving digital assets by becoming a single source of truth for all of an organization’s assets.It can help to reduce the risk of using outdated materials and facilitate easy sharing of brand-compliant resources.Let’s break down a few of the most impactful effects a DAM can have on brand management:Enhanced efficiencies: A DAM streamlines workflows by making it easier to find, share, and repurpose assets and collaboration by enabling secure access to non-DAM users helping to maintain a cohesive brand image and save time in marketing operations.Accelerated time-to-market: A DAM enables your team to bring your most impactful assets to market faster and to secure customer and target audience engagement ahead of the competition, helping to enhance brand reputation.Consistent brand representation: CDN linking enables you to expertly manage web content – published changes to assets are instantly reflected to save time and maintain consistency across channels and properties.In-depth analytics: A DAM can aid in brand strategy by providing insights into asset usage and performance. Track which assets are most effective, helping to inform and refine brand strategy and development based on data-driven insights.Scalability: As your brand grows, a DAM system grows with you, managing increasing volumes of assets seamlessly.Interested in how a DAM works in a real-world setting? Experian partnered with MediaValet in 2016 to help manage their brand refresh and have seen it massively aid brand management across distributed teams and external stakeholders.How a MediaValetDAM helped Experian’s Brand ManagementExperian is one of the world’s largest global information companies and must manage brand consistency across 45 countries.Before undergoing a brand refresh, the team at Experian knew that it was crucial to maintain consistency across all regions and campaigns.They wanted to:“Ensure that our brand is cohesive and consistent [and] that we’re all speaking with a single voice and brand vision.”With the sheer volume of brand assets created during the refresh, and the number of stakeholders that needed to access them, Experian wanted to build a central library that was accessible even to their distributed teams.To do this, they needed new tools and technology. Something that could help them work collaboratively across regions, borders and business units.They turned to MediaValet.The platform has proven to be particularly valuable to manage the brand even with distributed, remote teams.They’ve worked closely with the MediaValet team (a complimentary, unlimited aspect to partnering with MediaValet) to ensure widespread adoption of the platform.Managing more than 10,000 assets within the library, they’ve leaned on the LightBox function to streamline sharing capabilities and to save time.Experian has seen their brand transform worldwide and have maintained it seamlessly with the help of the MediaValet DAM.“It was a comprehensive, enterprise solution, that was incredibly easy to understand and use.”Read the full Experian story here. Related Articles Marketing The Ultimate Guide to Content Proofing (Tools & Process) Read more Marketing Project Management and DAM: 4 Reasons Why They’re Better Together Read more Marketing Leveraging DAM for Marketing Asset Management Read more Marketing Top Challenges in Marketing Operations & How to Overcome Them Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
DAM Knowledge 7 DAM Data Security Factors Marketers Often Miss When Buying a DAM When acquiring a digital asset management system, these crucial DAM data security factors shouldn't be overlooked - ensure your assets are protected. January 23, 2024 Yumiko Hayashi 5 min read In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, businesses of all sizes are increasingly turning to digital asset management (DAM) systems to streamline their workflows, foster collaboration, and extract maximum value from their digital assets. These versatile tools enable companies to efficiently organize, store, and distribute their media assets, resulting in significant time and resource savings.Nevertheless, amidst the enthusiasm for harnessing the power of DAM, one critical aspect is frequently overlooked during the initial purchasing phase: DAM data security.Data security acts as the unseen guardian of your digital assets, and its significance cannot be overstated. MediaValet understands the importance of keeping our customers’ assets safe which is why we’re so proud that SecurityScorecard ranked MediaValet as the #1 DAM vendor for security on the market.In this blog, we will delve into:how dam data security has evolved,why it often goes unnoticed during the purchasing process,how organizations can ensure the safety of their digital resources, andwhy data security is a crucial aspect to your DAM functionality.The DAM Data Security RevolutionDigital asset management systems have transformed the way businesses manage their digital assets. From marketing materials and product images to videos and design files, DAM systems provide a centralized repository that simplifies asset storage, retrieval, and distribution. They enhance collaboration, reduce redundancy, and empower organizations to optimize their digital content fully.However, in the rush to implement DAM solutions and reap the benefits, organizations frequently neglect to give due diligence to DAM data security. In this context, when we refer to data security, we are primarily addressing the protection of these digital assets from unauthorized access, theft, tampering, and data breaches, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of valuable media resources.Several factors contribute to the common oversight of data security in DAM purchases:Vendor Variation DilemmaOne of the key challenges facing DAM buyers is the spectrum of security measures offered by different vendors. It’s like trying to differentiate between shades of grey, and it’s not always easy to spot the nuances. This vendor variation can leave buyers in a quandary. How can you tell if a DAM vendor has robust data security protocols in place or if they’re merely paying lip service to this critical aspect?Focus on Features and FunctionalityDuring the purchasing phase, organizations typically concentrate on evaluating features, user-friendliness, and integration capabilities. Although these aspects are important, they often overshadow the critical issue of data security.Underestimation of Data’s ValueSome organizations underestimate the value of their digital assets, assuming they are not attractive targets for cyberattacks. However, even seemingly mundane assets can hold value for cybercriminals or competitors.Lack of AwarenessIn some cases, decision-makers may simply lack awareness of the potential risks and consequences associated with inadequate data security in DAM systems.Guarding Your Digital Treasures: The Vital Role of Data Security in DAMIn the world of DAM, data security isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the cornerstone of trust, compliance, and peace of mind. Let’s dive into why DAM data security is a non-negotiable aspect of a digital asset management system and explore real-world examples of how it applies to your digital assets.Protection of Valuable AssetsImagine you’re a global retailer with an extensive library of high-resolution product images. These images aren’t just pictures; they’re the lifeblood of your online storefront. Ensuring that only authorized individuals can access, modify, or download these assets is paramount. Robust data security measures act as an impenetrable shield, safeguarding these valuable digital treasures from theft, accidental loss, or unauthorized access.Compliance RequirementsLet’s say you’re a healthcare provider. You manage a vast repository of patient records, including sensitive medical histories and personal information. Here, compliance with regulations like HIPAA isn’t an option; it’s a legal obligation. Failure to implement stringent data security measures can result in severe penalties, legal consequences, and loss of trust. Data security in DAM ensures you remain on the right side of the law and uphold the highest standards of patient privacy.Preservation of ReputationImagine you’re a global bank, and your digital assets include confidential financial reports and customer data. A data breach, even a minor one, can irreparably tarnish your reputation. Clients, customers, and partners rely on you to keep their information safe. A robust data security system isn’t just about protecting data; it’s about preserving your brand’s integrity and maintaining the trust that’s been painstakingly built over the years.Mitigation of RisksConsider a marketing agency managing a repository of creative assets for clients. The digital landscape is rife with evolving cyber threats, from ransomware attacks to sophisticated phishing schemes. Data security measures act as a virtual guardian, standing between your assets and emerging threats. They ensure that even in the face of rapidly evolving risks, your digital assets remain safe, accessible, and ready for action.Ensuring Data Security in DAMTo ensure data security in your DAM system, here are the steps you should follow along with questions to ask potential DAM vendors at each stage:Evaluate Vendor Security Measures:Select a DAM vendor with a strong track record in data security. Assess their security certifications, protocols, and encryption standards.Questions for Vendors:What security certifications does your company hold?Can you provide details on your security protocols and encryption standards?What is your track record in handling data security incidents?Data Classification:Implement a data classification system to identify and prioritize the security of different asset types based on their sensitivity.Questions for Vendors:Does your DAM system support data classification features?How does your system assist in identifying and categorizing sensitive data within our assets?Can you provide examples of industries or businesses that have successfully implemented data classification using your solution?Access Controls:Implement robust access controls to restrict asset access to authorized users only.Questions for Vendors:What access control mechanisms does your DAM system offer?How granular can we define access permissions for different users or user groups?Can you explain how your system ensures that only authorized users can access specific assets?Regular Audits and Updates:Conduct regular security audits and updates to identify vulnerabilities and ensure the system remains secure.Questions for Vendors:How often does your company conduct security audits on your DAM solution?Can you describe your process for identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities?Do you provide automatic updates and patches for security enhancements, and how frequently are they released?Employee Training:Educate employees on data security best practices to prevent accidental breaches.Questions for Vendors:Do you offer training resources or support to educate our employees on data security best practices?Can you share examples of organizations that have successfully implemented employee training through your platform?How does your system facilitate the enforcement of security policies among our staff?Data Backup and Recovery:Establish comprehensive data backup and recovery procedures to safeguard against data loss.Questions for Vendors:What data backup and recovery options are available with your DAM system?Can you explain the redundancy and disaster recovery measures in place?Have there been instances where your system assisted clients in recovering lost data?Incident Response Plan:Develop an incident response plan to swiftly and effectively address security breaches when they occur.Questions for Vendors:Does your DAM solution come with built-in incident response tools or integration options?Can you provide guidance on how to create a customized incident response plan using your platform?What resources and support does your company offer in case of a security breach?By asking these questions during the vendor selection process, you can ensure that your DAM system is equipped to meet your data security needs effectively.Why Data Security is a Crucial Aspect of a DAM SystemData security should be a central consideration when selecting a DAM system. It serves as an invisible yet essential guardian of your digital assets, protecting them from a range of threats.By acknowledging the importance of data security in DAM and taking proactive measures to address it, organizations can ensure the safety and integrity of their valuable digital resources.In the dynamic world of digital asset management, where the safeguarding of valuable digital assets is paramount, MediaValet stands tall as the undisputed leader in data security.Our unwavering commitment to protecting your critical digital resources has earned us the title of #1 in data security in the DAM market.With a track record of excellence, robust security measures, and a dedication to staying ahead of evolving threats, MediaValet empowers organizations to manage, share, and protect their assets with the utmost confidence.Choose MediaValet as your trusted partner, and experience the peace of mind that comes with knowing your data is in the most secure hands in the industry. Related Articles DAM Knowledge DAM vs CMS: How Are They Different? Read more DAM Knowledge The Essential Guide to Digital Asset Management Workflows Read more DAM Knowledge The Beginners Guide to Building a DAM Taxonomy Read more DAM Knowledge Understanding DAM User Roles Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
DAM Knowledge The Role of DAM in Protecting Digital Assets Discover how DAM uses watermarking, permission controls, and more to protect digital assets and the integrity and safety of your brand. January 22, 2024 Nuala Cronin Content Manager 6 min read Protecting digital assets and modern brand management may seem like separate priorities, but they are intrinsically connected. Digital asset security has become a cornerstone of maintaining and enhancing a brand’s identity. Digital assets, like logos, images, videos, and carefully curated branded content, are not mere digital files; they represent the heartbeat of a brand’s visual and interactive presence in the market. In this context, Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems emerge as the champions of digital asset protection and optimization. These systems don’t just store and organize assets; they enable brands to unlock the full potential of their digital repertoire. From ensuring easy access and effective distribution to maintaining version control and usage rights, DAM systems are the silent yet powerful engines driving the efficiency and efficacy of digital asset management. This article delves into the critical role of DAM in not just protecting but also enhancing the value of digital assets. We will navigate through: Why protecting digital assets should be a priority, The intricate functionalities of DAM systems in protecting brand assets, and Why a MediaValet DAM is the #1 DAM on the market for security Join us as we unravel the layers of Digital Asset Management and its pivotal role in shaping the future of brand identity and success in the digital era. Why is Protecting Digital Assets a Priority? In today’s digitally driven market, digital assets not only enhance brand recognition but also foster consistency across platforms, ensuring a consistent brand presence and credibility. Their strategic use can significantly influence customer perception and loyalty, making their management and protection vital for sustained success. Moreover, in a world where brand consistency across various platforms is not just preferred but expected, these digital assets become the guardians of uniformity. This consistency is the linchpin in creating a seamless and engaging customer experience, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust among the audience. But aside from digital brand safeguarding, there are several other factors that have made protecting digital assets more of a priority: Digital Transformation and Increased Online Presence: Digital assets have become central to operations, marketing, and communication strategies and to ensure sustainable growth across multiple online channels, it’s imperative to safeguard these assets against unauthorized access, use, or theft. Intellectual Property Rights: Digital assets are often proprietary and hold significant intellectual property value. Protecting them ensures that these rights are not infringed upon, maintaining the uniqueness and competitive edge of a brand. Increase in Cybersecurity Threats: The surge in cyber threats, such as hacking, data breaches, and unauthorized distribution, poses a significant risk to digital assets. Sensitive information, if compromised, can lead to financial losses and damage to a brand’s reputation. Remote Work and Decentralization: Remote working models have dispersed the control over digital assets, making centralized protection more challenging. Ensuring secure accessibility to digital assets has become critical. When it comes down to it, protecting digital assets doesn’t need to be complicated. A DAM system should provide a central, secure repository for all a brand’s assets and proves to be a comprehensive solution when it comes to digital asset protection strategies. How a Digital Asset Management System Protects Digital Assets A DAM system is a centralized system for managing, organizing, sharing and distributing digital assets. It’s preferred by organizations looking for a secure, scalable, feature-rich asset management solution. By using a DAM system, companies of all sizes experience increased productivity, better online presence, improved brand reputation, higher ROI for content and creative programs, and faster time-to-market. A DAM can increase accessibility and discoverability of digital assets without compromising on security. In fact, a DAM can increase protection of assets through a couple of different security features. Watermarking Most DAM systems will offer the ability to watermark assets. A watermark is an image, overlay, or text that’s placed over a digital asset. Usually, the watermark will be monochromatic and transparent, to enable others to still view the asset. It ensures that asset ownership is clear. Watermarking at work: Protecting Marketing Materials: Watermarking promotional and curated materials ensures that preliminary designs shared with clients are protected against unauthorized use or distribution before final approval. Securing Photography and Artworks: By utilizing watermarking for works shared works online, brands can safeguard against theft while still showcasing their portfolio to potential clients and the public. MediaValet’s Forensic watermarking technology takes it one step further to deter the improper or unauthorized use and distribution of digital assets like images or videos. By embedding a unique, invisible, and unremovable identifier onto your image, GIF, PDF, or video. Our watermarking technology can stamp every single frame of a video and even works on screenshots taken from the DAM. Single Sign-On (SSO) Capabilities Single Sign-On (SSO) enables users to securely authenticate their identity using their work account credentials, typically email addresses. It allows IT teams to configure and manage permission levels for individuals and groups from a single location. When a DAM is integrated with SSO, users gain immediate and seamless access to digital assets, while IT teams only need to manage one account per user. It helps to manage user access in a simple, secure and scalable way and increases accessibility to a brand’s entire digital asset library without compromising on security. Implementing SSO: Streamlining Employee Access: In a company with a large workforce, SSO allows employees to access DAM systems using their existing company credentials, simplifying the login process and reducing password fatigue. Enhancing IT Security: For IT departments, an SSO integration means a reduced number of access points to monitor and secure, leading to enhanced overall security posture. It also allows for quick deactivation of access for employees who leave the company, protecting against potential theft of assets. MediaValet offers single sign-on integrations with any identification provider that supports SAML or OIDC/OpenID authentication protocols, including Azure Active Directory, Okta and Google SSO. Permission Controls DAM Systems will enable administration users to set permission controls and user access levels within their organization. Permission controls in action: Role-based Access in Large Enterprises: In an enterprise sized corporation, different teams (marketing, sales, design) require access to specific assets. With permission controls, each department can access only what’s relevant to their work, minimizing the risk of accidental or unauthorized asset distribution, modifications, or accidental deletions. Freelancer and External Partner Collaboration: For projects involving external collaborators, like freelancers or partner agencies, permissions can be set to grant temporary access to only the necessary assets, ensuring other sensitive materials remain secure. Remember, not all DAMs are created equal. MediaValet offers unlimited users and user groups each with customizable permissions and access levels, including their ability to access, share, and download specific sets of assets. This offers additional layers of control to prevent unauthorized asset use, and ensures that your organization’s access is manageable, even as it grows. Why MediaValet is #1 in DAM Security MediaValet understands the importance of keeping our customers’ assets safe. Security is a priority, so much so that SecurityScorecard ranked MediaValet as the #1 DAM vendor for security on the market. Built on Microsoft Azure, MediaValet is compliant and/or certified with more than 90 regulatory standards. SOC 2 certified by PwC for security, availability and confidentiality, MediaValet undergoes regular vulnerability and penetration testing. Apart from the certifications, how else does a MediaValet DAM help protect your asset library? Let’s dive into some key features. Key MediaValet Features to Promote Asset Protection MediaValet is jam-packed with security-focused features that can ensure safe discoverability of your assets: AuditTrails MediaValet’s audit logs encompass operations on digital asset usage (i.e. view, upload, download, edit, comment, etc.). They provide visibility into unauthorized asset usage to help maintain a trail of any issues you may encounter. SecureSharing Options MediaValet allows administration to set optional passwords, expiry dates and watermarks to ensure that files are being shared securely but internally and externally; from employees to customers and partners to vendors, sharing assets and asset libraries is secure yet easy. A Commitment to Privacy MediaValet is GDPR, CCPA and PIPEDA compliant, and can assist customers with DPA (Data Processing Agreement) requirements. But don’t just take our word for it, our customers think very highly of our DAM security capabilities: As a massive organization, we have very strict procurement guidelines and security requirements for vendors… MediaValet stood out immediately as a front runner. James Carter, Global Brand Manager Experian Read the full Experian and MediaValet story here! Find out how a digital asset management system like MediaValet could both protect your organization’s digital assets and safeguard your brand – speak to a rep today to learn how we can help! Related Articles DAM Knowledge DAM vs CMS: How Are They Different? Read more DAM Knowledge The Essential Guide to Digital Asset Management Workflows Read more DAM Knowledge The Beginners Guide to Building a DAM Taxonomy Read more DAM Knowledge Understanding DAM User Roles Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo
DAM Knowledge Navigating the Digital Transformation Wave: The Crucial Role of DAM Systems Learn to navigate digital transformation and enhance your tech stack with a digital asset management system at the centre of your transition. January 16, 2024 Nuala Cronin Content Manager 4 min read As we head into 2024, businesses face a critical transition: digital transformation. It’s a comprehensive shift that goes beyond technology adoption, by integrating digital technology into all aspects of business. The goal is to change how organizations operate and deliver value to customers, with customer-centricity at its core.Digital transformation reshapes business strategies, ensuring they are agile and responsive to customer needs and market changes. It’s about creating a digital, customer-centric approach, where understanding and responding to customer behaviors and preferences is key.Businesses are not just changing though; they are undergoing a complete digital overhaul. The most successful businesses of the past few years have embraced digital means to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations.This transition is increasingly vital as companies face tightening budgets, the need to expand campaigns and digital reach, and the proliferation of digital channels.Let’s uncover how digital transformation will impact 2024:Why does Digital Transformation Matter?Key Trends in Digital TransformationHow to Prioritize for a Successful Digital TransformationThe Role of Digital Asset Management (DAM) in Digital TransformationWhy Digital Transformation Matters NowStaying competitive means being able to quickly adapt to evolving customer expectations and market conditions. Digital transformation enables businesses to leverage technology for better customer engagement, operational agility, and integration of digital technologies, leading to improved efficiency and innovation.The impact of digital transformation varies across industries. In healthcare, for instance, digital technology is revolutionizing patient care through telemedicine and electronic health records. In finance, it’s reshaping customer interactions with mobile banking and personalized financial advice using AI. These industry-specific transformations underscore the versatility and necessity of digital strategies in today’s diverse business landscape.But while embracing digital transformation is critical, it’s not without its challenges. Businesses often struggle with integrating new technologies with existing systems, managing data security, and ensuring employee adaptation. Overcoming these hurdles requires a strategic approach: prioritizing user-friendly technologies, investing in cybersecurity, and providing comprehensive training for employees. Addressing these challenges head-on ensures that the digital transformation journey is smooth and productive.As organizations grow and expand their reach, their tech stack needs to adapt. But to successfully do so, it’s important that a technology stack:Aligns with Business Goals: The chosen technology should align with the company’s strategic goals and the evolving digital landscape.Ensures Scalability: Technologies should scale and adapt as the business grows and as the market evolves.Optimizes Customer Experience: Tech solutions should enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.Applying this method can help to ensure each piece of technology chosen serves an organization, but an awareness of key digital transformation trends is foundational to a successful transition.Key Trends in Digital TransformationUnderstanding key trends can enable organizations to leverage technology for innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage.It’s crucial to understand trends to make informed decisions that foster long-term success, adaptability, and resilience in a rapidly changing digital environment.Trends include:Increased Emphasis on Data Management: Effective management and analysis of data are critical for making informed decisions and personalizing the customer experience.Adoption of Cloud Technologies: Cloud technology offers scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency, aiding businesses in their digital transformation efforts.Enhanced Focus on Customer Experience: Utilizing digital technologies to enhance customer experience is a priority. This includes personalized marketing and responsive customer service platforms.Growth of AI and Machine Learning: These technologies are being increasingly used for predictive analytics, customer service, and personalization.Rise of Digital Asset Management (DAM): A crucial trend is the growing importance of DAM systems in managing digital assets efficiently and effectively.How to Prioritize for a Successful Digital TransformationTechnology is constantly evolving and revolutionizing how businesses operate. This future landscape calls for frameworks that are not only adaptive to current trends but also flexible enough to embrace future technological breakthroughs.The digital transformation journey should encompass several key elements and be based on:Customer Experience: Focusing on the customer experience is paramount. It’s about understanding and responding to customer needs at every stage of the journey, and your tech stack should centre around this.Operational Agility: Being able to respond rapidly to market changes and internal demands is crucial. This involves optimizing processes and incorporating agile methodologies. Technologies should serve several departments, if not entire organizations.Digital Technology Integration: This involves integrating digital technologies into all areas of a business, resulting in fundamental changes to operations and how value is delivered to customers. Ensuring your tech stack integrates seamlessly across your organization and enhances your workflows is key.The Role of Digital Asset Management (DAM) in Digital TransformationOne of the main challenges in digital transformation is managing the volume and variety of digital content. A DAM system addresses this by offering a central, structured, searchable platform for easy asset accessibility, crucial in a fast-paced digital environment.This centralization ensures consistency in branding and messaging across various digital platforms and facilitates better collaboration among teams by providing easy access to needed assets which are crucial for maintaining a strong online presence.When it comes to digital transition, DAM plays a multifaceted role. In marketing, it’s about ensuring that digital assets are easily accessible for creating consistent, engaging content across all channels. In sales, DAM systems facilitate the quick sharing of updated resources, ensuring that the sales team represents the brand accurately. In internal communications, DAM ensures that employees have access to the latest training materials and company updates, fostering a well-informed workforce.These varied applications highlight DAM’s essential role in streamlining and enhancing various facets of a business.And while a DAM system streamlines the process of managing digital assets, saving time and resources, there is so much more a DAM solution can do to positively impact an organization’s digital transformation.Brand Consistency: DAM ensures that all digital assets are aligned with brand guidelines, maintaining consistency across all channels.MediaValet’s Branded Portals enable organizations to securely share on-brand, approved assets with external stakeholders to ensure correct asset usage across a multitude of channels.Improved Asset Utilization: By having a central repository, the reuse of assets is promoted, ensuring that resources are fully utilized.According to the 2024 DAM Trends Report, 64% of DAM users have increased their use of on-brand assets due to DAM integrations, and 71% spend less than 5 hours a week searching for assets.Security and Compliance: DAM systems offer secure storage and management of assets, ensuring compliance with copyright and data protection regulations.MediaValet has the highest security rating of any DAM vendor, as ranked by SecurityScorecard.Scalability: As businesses grow, DAM systems can scale to meet the increasing volume and complexity of digital assets.MediaValet offers an unlimited package of users, categories, user groups, training, and support to ensure that our customers’ growth is always supported.Integration with Other Tools: DAM systems can integrate with other digital tools, enhancing the overall digital ecosystem of an organization.MediaValet integrates seamlessly across the tech stack ensuring streamlined workflows and processes.As businesses navigate the digital transformation wave, the role of Digital Asset Management systems becomes increasingly crucial. They not only enhance efficiency and productivity but also play a key role in maintaining brand consistency and ensuring effective use of digital assets. As part of a broader digital transformation strategy, DAM systems like MediaValet provide the foundation for a robust and dynamic digital presence, crucial for business success in the digital age. Related Articles DAM Knowledge DAM vs CMS: How Are They Different? Read more DAM Knowledge The Essential Guide to Digital Asset Management Workflows Read more DAM Knowledge The Beginners Guide to Building a DAM Taxonomy Read more DAM Knowledge Understanding DAM User Roles Read more Ready to see what the DAM hype’s about? Meet with one of our product experts Book a demo