Organizations across many industries struggle to find effective ways to store the large number of digital files they acquire. The sheer amount of content that’s being created every single day, coupled with the boom in the remote workforce, has led most companies to look for cloud-based solutions that offer collaborative features for their geographically dispersed teams.

With so many options, managers are finding themselves trying to learn the differences between tools like digital asset management software (DAM) and cloud-based file-sharing services like OneDrive. We’ve detailed digital asset management vs document management solutions here.

In this post, we’ll run through the main differences between DAM solutions and OneDrive document management, explaining how the addition of either of these solutions would be beneficial to your team.

To fully understand the difference between OneDrive and DAM, let’s take a look at each in more depth:

OneDrive

Microsoft OneDrive is a leading cloud-based file-sharing sync service where users can securely store important files and access them from almost anywhere. Part of the Microsoft 365 platform, it can be used for personal or work purposes. The collaborative appeal of easily sharing work documents with colleagues makes OneDrive a popular choice for geographically dispersed teams. It is typically used for sharing Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, etc., and is enjoyed by 365 users for the seamless experience it provides. Additionally, the productivity features like project tracking and automatic file syncing make OneDrive a valuable tool for professionals.

Three Key Benefits of Using OneDrive

1. File Security – The file access settings in OneDrive give control over who can view, edit and share important files. Users can also set passwords or expiration dates.

2. File Collaboration – Geographically dispersed team members can work on the same documents simultaneously, increasing productivity on projects.

3. Centralized Storage – The use of the cloud allows users to free up device storage by centralizing data into one place where it can be accessed from anywhere at any time.

The Bottom Line

This cloud-based solution offers many features that benefit teams that often use and collaborate on the same files. While it does allow for media uploads and sharing, it’s ultimately best for text-based file collaboration, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, etc., as mentioned above. If you’re a large team looking for a broader solution for storing, organizing, and distributing vast amounts of media files, you may want to look into a DAM.

Digital Asset Management (DAM)

A digital asset management system is an essential part of the media content creation process and is used to help marketing teams organize, collaborate on, and distribute their digital assets all from within one central library. Typically focused on brand and marketing-related assets, it is conventionally owned by the marketing team but can be accessed by many other teams including sales, product management, communications, and partners. By providing a single source of truth for all the important content within an organization, a DAM reduces internal bottlenecks and improves brand consistency across all channels. Additionally, a DAM allows users to manage any type of digital file (videos, 3D files, documents, etc.) from within the system and perform a variety of beneficial functions. These functions include re-sizing and re-formatting media, tracking usage history, and sharing large files easily with external parties.

Three Key Benefits of Using DAM

1. Asset Organization & Discovery: A DAM makes storing, managing, and finding brand and marketing material (photos, videos, etc.) easy with artificial intelligence, keywords and advanced searches.

2. Asset Control: Access permissions for internal and external users give organizations tighter rein on their digital media, plus a DAM offers version control and history tracking.

3. Easy Sharing: A DAM includes features that enable easy sharing of large media files, such as high-resolution images and videos, etc., via email, branded portals, and more.

Check out this self-guided tour of a MediaValet DAM:

The Bottom Line

While DAM allows for text-based file collaboration, it is best for companies that need a better way to produce, store, collaborate, share, and distribute large amounts of media content (photos, videos, audio, etc.) If you’re a smaller organization looking for a narrower solution in storing, organizing, and distributing text-based files, you may not need all the features a DAM provides.

So, What’s the Difference?

The main difference between OneDrive and a digital asset management system can be seen in the types of files they specialize in. OneDrive is a great platform to collaborate on document-based content (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and provide a central workspace for team members. DAM, on the other hand, extends this workspace to a greater degree by adding the ability to better manage large, media-based files in a single, centralized library, secured through access rights and permissions.

Key Differences

• OneDrive is more document-focused, designed for collaboration and communication among team members, where DAM focuses on the organization and control of digital assets (photos, videos, etc.)
• DAM is a much broader tool than OneDrive, as it allows users to perform a variety of functions within the system while also making it easy to share digital files internally and externally.
• OneDrive offers only one primary location for users to share and edit their assets, where DAM allows users to share and edit their assets in multiple different applications through integrations.

What About Both?

To answer the question: If I already have OneDrive, do I still need a DAM? The answer is YES! A DAM complements OneDrive by providing a much larger variety of functions and features. In fact, many organizations will have both, as they offer specialization in different areas. Use our self-assessment quiz to analyze your organization’s need for a digital asset management system.

Interested in which DAM platform is right for your organization? We detail how 5 of the top digital asset management vendors compare to help you find the right fit. Check out our free resource:

MediaValet is a leader in cloud-based digital asset management that helps organizations manage, organize and share their digital assets, improving productivity and increasing ROI.

With more and more pressure to create and distribute content across multiple channels and formats, DAM has never been more important. Digital asset management software (DAM) enables you to manage all your digital assets in one place, streamline workflows, increase productivity and ensure brand consistency by storing all types of digital files – images to videos – in one secure location. But, in the third annual DAM Trends Report, we deep dive into how organizations are using DAM to get real, measurable results.

With the global DAM market expected to grow from $3.97 billion in 2023 to $12.29 billion by 2030, it’s clear DAM is a must-have for staying relevant in a digital-first world. And this year’s report explains why; because DAM impacts business outcomes.

What is the DAM Trends Report?

The DAM Trends Report is a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in digital asset management technology and its growing impact on organizations across industries.

The 2025 DAM Trends Report, in its third year, provides valuable insights into how DAM systems are being used to streamline workflows, save time and money, and drive better marketing and creative outcomes.

It highlights key trends, such as the expanding role of DAM in achieving business KPIs, improving brand consistency, and enhancing compliance efforts.

Based on real-world data, the 2025 DAM Trends Report is an essential resource for businesses looking to optimize their asset management strategies and stay competitive in a digital-first world.

Interested in what’s in the report? Here are some of the key findings from the 2025 DAM Trends Report:

1. AI-Powered DAM Integrations and Features Drive Marketing Outcomes

Those using AI-powered features like Video Intelligence and Face Recognition are seeing big benefits in their asset management.

In fact 100% of those using Video Intelligence are expanding their digital presence, 83% of Face Recognition users are saving money.

And beyond digital asset management features, DAM systems integrated with project management tools like Wrike or templating solutions like MediaValet Templating, powered by Marq, are enabling marketing teams to deploy projects faster and improve brand consistency across channels.

2. DAM Security Features Improve Brand Consistency and Compliancy

DAM software has advanced security features like access controls, encryption and authentication to protect digital assets from unauthorized access.

These robust security measures ensure digital assets are always protected. DAM systems also help organizations comply with regulatory requirements like GDPR, HIPAA and CCPA.

According to the report, 80% of organizations using DAM systems say they have stronger brand consistency when integrated with single sign-on (SSO) solutions.

DAM is critical to ensure all digital content – whether in marketing campaigns or internal comms – is consistent with the organization’s brand guidelines which is key to building trust and recognition with customers.

3. Digital Asset Management Systems Save Time and Money

According to the report, 60% of organizations using a DAM system are saving time and money.

On average, businesses are saving 13.5 hours a week on asset-related tasks. That’s 34% of a typical workweek that can be reallocated to more strategic activities like content creation, customer engagement and marketing.

Tasks like searching for assets, sharing files and avoiding asset duplication are streamlined through digital asset management solutions. These solutions not only increase productivity but also workflows, ensure brand consistency and protect digital assets. In today’s fast paced digital world, every hour saved can add up to big productivity gains.

Get the Full Report Now

The 2025 DAM Trends Report shows how DAM systems are delivering on the promise of workflow optimization and business outcomes. Whether you want to increase efficiency, maintain brand consistency or add AI driven features to your tech stack DAM is the answer.

Download the report to read more insights, data and trends and stay ahead of the curve in the digital world.

It’s no secret that creative departments need effective digital asset management workflows in place in order to do their best. That goes for all departments within any organization. But with the high—and ever-increasing—demand for both fast and quality work by creative departments today, setting up creatives for success just makes sense.

The most effective workflows take into account the different kinds of situational needs for an organization. And while every organization has varied, vast and complex use cases, they tend to fit into two broad categories: asset-based, and campaign-based workflows. In this post, we explore the differences between the two types of workflows, and how the right integrations have helped MediaValet clients establish their most effective workflows.

In this post we will cover

What is a Digital Asset Management Workflow?

A digital asset management workflow is a streamlined process for managing, organizing, and distributing digital assets like images, videos, and documents within an organization. It starts with the creation or acquisition of assets, followed by their upload into digital asset management software, where they are tagged with metadata for easy search and retrieval.

After assets are organized within the system, they undergo an approval process to ensure they meet brand standards. Once approved, they are distributed across various channels, facilitated by the DAM’s integration capabilities. As assets become outdated, they are archived or deleted to keep the system current. This workflow ensures that digital assets are securely stored, easily accessible, and consistently used across all brand touchpoints.

A Typical Asset Workflow

Let’s look at a typical workflow and asset lifecycle.

Whether as part of a larger campaign, or a one-off event, the beginning of a digital asset’s life always starts with an asset request in one form or another. This request initiates the entire process, from ideation to distribution.

Once an asset is finalized and has all the necessary approvals, it’s ready for distribution – which can take many forms depending on the specific asset or campaign. At the end of the asset’s life, it’s usually archived, however, for some lucky assets, they get another run or two through the cycle, as they’re repurposed for other campaigns or use-cases.

For smaller teams or projects, this entire cycle may be handled by a small handful of people. But, for larger teams or projects, dozens may be involved and requires a robust system to manage the complex steps, requirements and approvals. In these circumstances, it’s more effective to separate this complex workflow management from your DAM.

Workflows aren’t standard, they’re unique to each organization, team and project, and we find they’re constantly changing and multiplying. Whatever your workflows are today, most likely they won’t be the same, or of the same number, tomorrow. This separation of workflow and DAM often provides a higher level of operational flexibility and scalability.

Types of DAM Workflows

Although there is a wide variety of workflow solutions available today, we break it into two levels:

1. Asset-Based Workflows
2. Campaign-Based Workflows

The workflow system that will best meet your specific needs will depend on the number of unique workflows that you require across your department or organization and their complexity.

Digital Asset Management Workflow #1: Asset-Based

Asset-based workflows automate and optimize the processes around managing the digital assets themselves. These processes or steps include things like approving assets once they’ve been uploaded by external parties, adding attributes or metadata, categorizing assets, generating specific renditions, expiring assets, updating and distributing assets – the list goes on and on. These types of workflows focus on preparing the assets to be used as source files or as content.

Asset-based workflows are generally quite simple and tend to be linear in nature, requiring simple triggers and actions to automate. In-DAM workflow features are ideal and cost-effective for addressing these types of asset workflows.

For example, here’s a visualization of an asset-based workflow for a single photographer uploading assets to a company’s DAM. In-app workflows that are available in many DAM systems can help automate components of this process, ensuring the right assets are uploaded the right way (to make them easily discoverable).

Automated events, in this example, include:

1. Notifying a named administrator that photos have been uploaded and are ready to be approved.
2. Letting the photographer know if any photos were rejected.
3. Mandating what attributes need to be added.
4. Enabling auto-categorization and tagging.
5. Making approved images readily available, in the right formats and sizes, to the appropriate teams or systems.

This simple workflow helps reduce the number of basic tasks that the photographer and administrator would normally have done manually. It also eliminates the chance of human error that could cause bottlenecks, miscategorization, or overall lack of discoverability.

Digital Asset Management Workflow #2: Campaign-Based

Campaign-based workflows, on the other hand, are more complex by nature as they tend to manage the creation of assets, versus asset usage. This involves more people and more complexity.

Campaign-based workflows manage the asset lifecycle of new campaign-related assets from ideation to distribution. This involves coordinating the efforts of multiple teams and departments, and involving multiple levels of review and approval, along with distribution points. The more complex workflows include everything from a local one-off marketing campaign to a global re-branding and everything in between.

When it comes to anything but the simplest asset-based workflows, we recommend using a campaign-based workflow, connecting your DAM with a third-party project management vendor, like Workfront or Wrike. These organizations specialize in workflow and dedicate all their resources and energy to addressing a much wider array of use-cases, from basic to the most complex.

Over the years, we’ve found that integrating MediaValet with Wrike, a project management solution, that it delivers the most value to our customers, both in the short and long term. To this end, to enable and support the unique complex workflows of all our clients, we focus on creating deep integrations with well-known and regarded third-party workflow products. After all, it’s about setting our clients up for success, with the most efficient and effective partners we can find.

Digital Asset Management Workflow Challenges

Managing digital assets through a streamlined workflow offers significant advantages, but it also comes with a set of challenges that organizations must navigate

Integration Complexity:

Integrating various tools and platforms with the DAM system can be challenging, especially when dealing with outdated software or proprietary formats.

Inconsistent Metadata Tagging:

Inconsistent or incomplete metadata can make it difficult to find and retrieve assets, leading to inefficiencies and user frustration.

Approval Process Bottlenecks:

The approval process can become a bottleneck if too many stakeholders are involved or if there’s a lack of clarity about who has final decision-making authority.

System Overload:

As organizations grow and accumulate more digital assets, the DAM system can become overwhelmed. Without proper archiving and deletion protocols, the system may become cluttered, making it harder to locate current, relevant assets.

Addressing these challenges requires ongoing attention to system integration, clear governance practices, and regular maintenance of the DAM environment.

How DAM Software Resolves Workflow Challenges

Digital Asset Management software (DAM) is specifically designed to tackle the challenges that organizations face in managing their digital assets efficiently. By addressing common workflow issues, DAM systems provide robust solutions that enhance productivity and streamline operations.

Simplifying Integration:
Modern DAM software is built with powerful integration capabilities, allowing it to seamlessly connect with other tools and platforms within your tech stack. Whether you’re using content management systems, project management tools, or marketing automation platforms, DAM software ensures smooth communication and data exchange across all systems. This reduces the friction caused by incompatible formats or outdated software, making the entire workflow more cohesive and efficient.

Ensuring Consistent Metadata Tagging:
DAM software centralizes and standardizes the process of metadata tagging. With built-in guidelines and automated tagging features, it ensures that every asset is accurately categorized and easy to find. This consistency reduces the time spent searching for assets and minimizes errors, leading to more efficient asset management and better user experience

Streamlining the Approval Process:
To address bottlenecks in the approval process, DAM software offers customizable workflows that clearly define roles and responsibilities. Stakeholders can be assigned specific tasks within the system, and automated notifications ensure that approvals are completed in a timely manner. This clarity and automation eliminate delays and confusion, keeping projects on track and ensuring that assets meet brand standards before they are distributed.

Managing Asset Volume and System Overload:
As digital assets accumulate, DAM software provides robust archiving and deletion protocols to prevent system overload. Automated archiving features ensure that older, less relevant assets are stored efficiently without cluttering the active workspace. Additionally, advanced search and filtering options allow users to quickly locate current, relevant assets, maintaining an organized and efficient system as the organization grows.

More on DAM Workflows

This post is based on a webinar we hosted with Henry Stewart and industry leader, Theresa Regli, on Content Hubs and Workflow. Watch the full recording here, to learn more about DAM workflows, see a campaign-based workflow in action, and hear how MediaValet customer, Reinsurance Group of America, uses MediaValet and Wrike to drive productivity.

MediaValet is a leader in cloud-based digital asset management that helps organizations manage, organize and share their digital assets, improving productivity and increasing ROI.

As digital asset management software (DAM) evolves, so too does its functionality. Beyond the basic organization and storage – what are the functions that a DAM has to offer? In this post, we’re explaining the digital asset management features that make up the core of the DAM system.

DAM functionality has significantly evolved, and for good reason. Companies are producing more content than ever, and creative teams need a comprehensive platform that can manage the entire content lifecycle, from creation to distribution. This demand has driven digital asset management vendors to innovate and add new features, transforming DAM software from a niche media solution into an essential component of the marketing tech stack.

Rather see DAM features in action? Take the self-guided tour of MediaValet here.

With that in mind, a digital asset management system has 10 crucial features:

• Organizing
• Searching
• Downloading
• Version Control and History
• Sharing
• Access Control
• Video Management
• Reporting and Analytics
• Templating
• Artificial Intelligence

What are the 10 Key Digital Asset Management Features?

Digital asset management platforms can differ greatly in their abilities, but there are several key features they should offer.

If you’re interested in comparing solutions, check out our free resource to understand which DAM vendor is right for you.

1. Organizing

At its core, a digital asset management platform is used to centralize and organize your digital assets in a single, easy-to-access library where they can be easily found by everyone. But digital asset management is about more than just collecting your assets in one place. It’s about taking advantage of the DAM’s advanced searching, downloading and sharing capabilities to ensure your assets aren’t just stored – they’re properly leveraged by employees, agencies and partners to maximize each asset’s potential.

2. Searching

Without digital asset management, finding the right asset can take time – even if you know exactly what you’re looking for. But with a DAM system in place, your assets are more easily discoverable.

First and foremost are your keywords: words and phrases used to describe the assets you’re uploading. Similarly, attributes are used to describe other important information about your assets, such as the date created, photographer name and file name. Attributes can be automatically generated or manually added to your asset to make it easier for users to discover your assets.

Another key feature that makes searching stress-free is a clear and concise category structure. This feature makes the library more “browseable”, as it allows you to click through multi-level folders to find the assets you’re looking for. The best DAM systems offer unlimited categories with their subscription and will help you with your initial set up.

MediaValet enables artificial audio and video intelligence to reduce manual effort and automatically populate your asset with metadata spanning common objects, text and color recognition.

3. Downloading

Any assets stored in the DAM are only valuable, of course, if your team can actually use them. A digital asset management system makes it easy and simple to download your digital assets, in the exact file format and resolution you need.

Any user with downloading permission is able to change the format or size of your assets (ie. a rendition – learn the value of these here) on-the-fly (for example, turning a JPG into a PNG). This feature is a lifesaver for companies that have a busy design team that’s often backlogged with requests.

4. Version Control and History

As soon as a change is made to any images or marketing material, you need to make sure that the correct version of the asset is used going forward. Alternatively, when the wrong changes are made, you need to go back to a previous version. DAMS can also save and track the history of previous versions and revert to an earlier asset at any time.

A DAM system also offers admins the ability to track who is using, sharing and editing content within the system. Additionally, they provide extensive histories for each asset, from viewing to commenting, ensuring you’ll always know who has been interacting with an asset at any given time.

5. Sharing

When collaborating with coworkers, partners or agencies, sharing a couple of low-res photos is not a problem. However, when you’re working on a large PPT deck or a video, sending files over email can becomes an issue. A DAM system allows you to easily share your large files in a variety of ways:

• Over Email: The most common form of sharing assets is by sending a link to an online gallery or a downloadable zip file within the DAM system. Some DAM vendors offer integrations that allow you to share assets directly from your email system (such as Outlook).
• Collections: For longer-term projects, many companies turn to the collections function, which allows you to aggregate assets from different categories, into specific project-based folders. Thereafter, it’s easy to share your lightboxes with whoever needs them.
• Brand Portals: Common use cases we typically see for brand portals include sharing brand guidelines and supporting various campaigns. Brand portals allow users to curate and share collections of assets with internal and external users as a custom-branded online library.

6. Access Control

Even though your assets are all in a central location, you don’t necessarily want everyone to have the same viewing and downloading permissions. A key feature that separates a digital asset management system from other storage systems is its access control structure.

To ensure your assets are only used by the right people at the right time, digital asset management systems allow you to create user groups. These groups have different viewing, uploading, downloading and sharing abilities. This means that your contributors are able to easily upload their content into your system and your users will also have confidence that any assets they are able to access are approved for their use.

That includes both internal and external users. MediaValet allows you to set custom user permissions and restrictions that suit your organization. This ensures that external stakeholders can access, and share, all the assets they need with Branded Portals.

7. Video Management

DAM platforms have been consistently evolving to manage rich media files like video and audio content. Rather than relying on multiple platforms like video CMS and traditional file sharing solutions, a DAM system can manage everything in one place.

MediaValet’s video asset management capabilities enable users to translate, preview, and share video files seamlessly. With support for various video formats, users can easily handle large video assets and ensure they are accessible to the right teams.

The platform also offers automated transcoding to different resolutions, making it simpler to distribute videos across different channels without manual intervention.

8. Reporting and Analytics

Understanding how digital assets are used and which ones are impactful is critical for optimizing your content strategy.

MediaValet’s DAM reporting and analytics feature provide insights into asset usage, download patterns, and user activity. This data helps organizations understand which assets are most valuable, identify content gaps, and make data-driven decisions to improve asset utilization.

With comprehensive reporting tools, users can generate detailed reports that track asset performance and user engagement, ensuring that your digital asset strategy is aligned with business objectives.

9. Templating

Connecting a digital asset management system with a templating solution can significantly streamline content creation and ensure brand consistency by enabling easy access to approved assets and the ability for departments across the organization to customize content, quickly.

MediaValet Templating, powered by Marq allows users to create and customize templates for various types of content, such as social media posts, brochures, and presentations.

By using templates, teams can quickly generate on-brand content without needing extensive design skills. This feature is particularly useful for organizations that need to maintain a consistent brand image across multiple channels and touchpoints.

10. Artificial Intelligence

DAM systems have been incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered capabilities to transform the way digital assets are managed.

MediaValet leverages AI to automate metadata generation, content tagging, and image recognition. These AI capabilities reduce the manual effort required to organize and categorize assets, making it easier for users to find what they need quickly.

Additionally, AI-powered features such as Face Recognition, object detection, and color analysis enhance the accuracy of asset searches and improve overall efficiency in managing large libraries of digital content.

With these key digital asset management features alone, companies worldwide are experiencing cost savings and team efficiency improvements. When an organization integrates their processes and existing platforms with a DAM system amazing things can happen.

As a DAM vendor, MediaValet aims to consistently improve and evolve our offering; we’re always adding new features to better your business. We help businesses worldwide to accomplish objectives, find out how we can help you – book a demo here.

MediaValet is a leader in cloud-based digital asset management that helps organizations manage, organize and share their digital assets, improving productivity and increasing ROI.

As the demand for online video content continues to increase so too does the need for video asset management. Marketing professionals in every sector are investing in strategized video production. In fact, reports show that 54% of consumers want to see more video content from brands or businesses they already support. Further to that, 87% of marketing professionals already use video as a marketing tool.

Over the past few years, creative teams have been busy producing engaging video content that tells their brand stories—and putting them where they best reach their target audiences. But, how are they keeping track of all of these expensive content pieces? And how are they making sure they get the most from their investment in producing them? The solution many marketing teams are using is to employ a video asset management system.

In this blog post we cover:

• What is video asset management?
• The benefits of video asset management,
• Who needs video asset management, and
• Using DAM as a video asset management system.

What is Video Asset Management?

Video asset management helps organizations manage, organize and share large amounts of video content. It helps improve the discoverability of videos significantly, enriching them with additional metadata, such as categories, keywords, auto-tags and automatic transcripts. Video asset management drastically improves the productivity of marketing and creative teams working with video content, as they can more easily find and use the videos they need.

Video asset management is often supported by a cloud-based digital asset management (DAM) system, which manages all digital assets in a single library. A cloud-based solution ensures that videos easily accessible by team members at any time, from anywhere (with permissions). This is especially important for organizations working with distributed teams, such as marketing agencies or global offices. Cloud-based systems also enable organizations to scale quickly, without the storage restrictions caused by using internal servers or on-premises solutions.

Benefits of Video Asset Management

Today’s cloud-based digital asset management systems offer a number of benefits for video content creators, but here we’ll touch on the top five:

1. Centralized Location

Store all of your high-quality videos, including b-roll, final footage and archived video, are in one, cloud-based location, where anyone in the company (with the right permissions) can access them. No more time spent looking through various shared folders, personal computers, or servers.

Learn about Microsoft’s Azure cloud.

2. Enhanced Discoverability

Tag videos with additional metadata, like categories, keywords and embedded metadata to increase the discoverability of your video assets, reducing search time. Artificial intelligence also enhances videos with timestamped auto-tags for objects, text, people, topics and more, ensuring you can find a specific moment within large videos.

Learn about Advanced Search.

3. Seamless Sharing Capabilities

Instantly share collections of videos with internal or external team members without getting an email bounce notification or using WeTransfer. From ZIP files to Branded Portals, you can choose how to share your video files – and in what format.

Learn about Branded Portals.

4. Automated Transcription and Translation

Quickly navigate to a specific scene, line of script and more, with automatic transcripts. Transcripts can also be translated and downloaded into a variety of file formats, to help your organization reach global markets with multi-language previews.

Learn about Video Intelligence.

5. Enhanced Security

Ensure your videos are protected from deletion, corruption or hacking with advanced security features. Many video asset management solutions are committed to the highest security levels and compliant with the top geographic and industry-specific certifications. Custom permission levels also ensure employees are only accessing videos approved for their specific use.

Learn about security and compliance.

Who Needs Video Asset Management?

Any organization dealing with large amounts of video content can benefit greatly from employing a video asset management system. Assets could be as simple as iPhone videos for social media channels, or as complex as professionally produced b-roll footage. Whatever kind of video assets you’re dealing with, a video asset management solution is a step in the right direction. The demand for video will only continue to grow – now is the time to better manage your video content.

While any industry can benefit from video asset management, for the following industries, it’s often a must-have:

• Sports: Sports teams need to manage a variety of videos, including game footage, content from sponsors, social media content, player interviews and more.
• Agencies: Marketing and creative agencies manage a huge amount of b-roll and final ad footage for a number of clients at any given time.
• Tourism: Tourism organizations often manage raw location footage plus the final, produced promotional videos used for TV, web and display campaigns.

See how Miles Partnership uses MediaValet to deliver over 6000 hours of video footage to its nationwide tourism clients.

Using a DAM for Video Asset Management

Digital asset management systems like MediaValet offer comprehensive and sophisticated video and creative asset management solutions.

With features like Audio/Visual Intelligence (AVI), organizations can use their DAM system to truly manage video content.

MediaValet’s AVI can:

• Recognize people, objects, text, spoken word, topics and locations
• Automate AI tagging for easy sorting and organization
• Share videos using links, galleries, Branded Portals, and CDN links
• Deliver video in the optimal size and format for each device and bandwidth
• Create subtitles in 60+ languages for global accessibility
• Auto-generate transcripts that can be downloaded and translated

Interested in learning more about video asset management with DAM? Three organizations share their success with DAM and video asset management to achieve higher ROI from their video content in this on-demand webinar. Watch it now!

Digital Asset Management (DAM) is essential for the efficient handling, organization, and retrieval of digital assets. At the forefront of advancing these capabilities is the DAM Capability Model, conceptualized by industry pioneer David Lipsey.

Since the inception of digital asset management in 1998, David Lipsey has been at the forefront. Working with organizations on a global level, David is considered the leading expert in the field.

This model has been instrumental in driving DAM adoption, growth, and innovation across organizations worldwide. The DAM Capability Model is the foundation of any DAM journey; whether you’re at beginner level or expert, the DAM Capability Model will enable you to elevate and future-ready your DAM skills.

In this detailed blog post, we explore the DAM Capability Model, its origins, practical applications, and the importance of community in fostering continuous improvement.

• What is the DAM Capability Model?
• The Centrality of DAM
• The Importance of Community in DAM
• How to Apply the DAM Capability Model
• The DAM Capability Model Workshop (Video)

This post is supplementary to the complimentary DAM Capability Model (available for download)! Read on to learn:

What is the DAM Capability Model?

The DAM Capability Model is a comprehensive framework designed to help organizations assess their current DAM practices and identify areas for enhancement. It serves as a roadmap for organizations at any stage of their DAM journey, from beginners to seasoned experts.

Categories of the DAM Capability Model

Organization: The “people” roles, responsibilities, technical know-how, strategic alignment and talent in an organization’s use and management of DAM

Information: The core material and related descriptors (such as metadata) that enable using an asset

Systems: The related components that work together to facilitate asset lifecycle

Processes: The repeatable set of procedures and operations designed to realize each stage of an asset’s lifecycle

Key Components of the DAM Capability Model:

Benchmarking: The model allows organizations to evaluate their current DAM capabilities, providing a clear picture of where they stand.

Structured Growth: It offers a structured approach to implementing changes, ensuring that DAM practices evolve in line with organizational goals.

Future-Readiness: By following the model, organizations can prepare for future challenges and technological advancements in the DAM space.

The Centrality of DAM

Over the past 25 years, DAM has evolved from a niche solution to a central pillar of modern organizational operations. The exponentially growing need for digital content across myriad platforms and channels has led to the crucial need for a robust system to manage these assets.

DAM systems serve as the central repository for all digital assets, ensuring that they are easily accessible, organized, and secure.

But, according to David Lipsey, a DAM is a crucial component of the digital landscape and critical to an organization, not just as a central repository. He has long emphasized the importance of placing DAM at the heart of an organization’s digital strategy.

“DAM does not sit in isolation.”

DAM plays a larger role in the broader ecosystem of digital operations. By centralizing DAM, organizations can:

• ensure digital assets are leveraged to their fullest potential,
• drive innovation and support strategic goals,
• streamline workflows, reduce redundancy, and
• enhance collaboration across departments.

This centralization not only improves efficiency but also ensures that brand consistency is maintained across all digital touchpoints, providing a cohesive and professional image to the audience.

Watch the DAM Capability Model Workshop with David Lipsey here.

Centralizing DAM Enables Continuous Improvement

The centrality of DAM fosters a culture of continuous improvement, as it provides the foundation upon which advanced analytics, personalized marketing, and dynamic content strategies are built.

In essence, DAM is not just a tool; it is the backbone of digital transformation, enabling organizations to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Lipsey advocates for an ongoing commitment to refining DAM practices, ensuring they meet evolving business needs and technological advancements.

“Maturity in this field is never done. It’s always continual improvement in DAM.”

Continuous improvement is a cornerstone of effective DAM practices. Organizations must focus on maintaining and enhancing their DAM capabilities to ensure long-term success.

Strategies for Continuous Improvement:

Persistent ROI: Focus on achieving a persistent return on investment by regularly evaluating and optimizing DAM practices.

Documentation: Record opportunities and challenges to track progress and identify areas for enhancement. This practice helps maintain a record of what works and what needs adjustment.

Regular Reviews: Periodically review and update DAM practices to ensure they align with organizational goals and industry trends. This approach keeps DAM practices relevant and effective.

All of this brings us to one of Lipsey’s most valuable perspectives: working with and learning from the DAM community.

The Value of Community in DAM

Building and engaging with the DAM community is crucial for achieving sustained success. The collective knowledge and experience within the community provide invaluable resources for learning and improvement.

By fostering a sense of community, organizations can tap into a wealth of expertise, staying ahead of industry trends and implementing best practices. The DAM community is not just a network of professionals; it is a dynamic ecosystem where ideas are exchanged, challenges are discussed, and solutions are crafted collaboratively.

Community Benefits:

Collaboration: Engaging with other DAM practitioners fosters collaboration, allowing for the exchange of ideas and best practices. Through forums, webinars, and conferences, DAM professionals can connect with peers, sharing insights on successful strategies and innovative solutions.

This collaborative environment encourages creative problem-solving and helps organizations to implement more effective DAM practices. The shared goal of optimizing digital asset management brings together diverse perspectives, leading to the development of new methodologies and tools that benefit the entire community.

Support: The community offers support and guidance, helping organizations navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Whether dealing with technical issues, policy changes, or strategic decisions, members of the DAM community can rely on each other for advice and assistance.

This support network is especially valuable for those new to DAM, providing mentorship and resources that accelerate learning and adoption. Experienced practitioners can offer practical solutions and reassurance, making the journey smoother and more manageable.

Learning: Shared experiences and insights contribute to a richer understanding of DAM, driving innovation and efficiency. By learning from the successes and failures of others, organizations can avoid common pitfalls and adopt proven practices.

The DAM community is a continuous learning environment where professionals can stay updated with the latest advancements and trends. Workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms provide opportunities for ongoing education, ensuring that DAM practitioners are always equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.

Moreover, the community plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of DAM. Active participation in discussions and collaborative projects can influence the development of new standards, tools, and technologies. By contributing to the collective knowledge base, organizations not only benefit themselves but also help to advance the entire field of digital asset management.

Practical Applications of the DAM Capability Model

The DAM Capability Model is a powerful tool for driving adoption and growth within organizations. Here are some practical applications on how to use it to your advantage:

Onboarding New Departments: Integrate DAM into new departments’ workflows, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the organization. This process involves educating teams on DAM best practices and demonstrating the value of centralized asset management.

Mapping DAM Usage: Conduct a comprehensive mapping of current DAM usage to identify strengths and areas for improvement. This exercise helps uncover gaps and opportunities for expanding DAM capabilities.

Engaging with Legal and Risk Management: Collaborate with legal and risk management teams to ensure compliance with regulations and prepare for disaster recovery scenarios. This integration helps safeguard digital assets and mitigate risks.

Engaging with the DAM Capability Model

To effectively leverage the DAM Capability Model, organizations should follow these steps:

• Cross-Functional Involvement: Involve teams from various departments in the assessment and implementation process. This holistic approach ensures that all perspectives are considered and that DAM practices are integrated seamlessly across the organization.
• Resource Utilization: Take advantage of resources such as the Center for Advanced Studies in Digital Asset Management and Henry Stewart conferences for further learning and community engagement. These resources offer valuable insights and opportunities for professional development.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Download the DAM Capability Model: Access the complimentary model to begin your journey.
2. Conduct an Assessment: Evaluate your current DAM practices using the model as a benchmark.
3. Develop an Action Plan: Create a roadmap for implementing necessary changes and improvements.
4. Engage with the Community: Participate in DAM forums, webinars, and conferences to stay informed and connected.

Watch the DAM Capability Model Webinar

Are you interested in hearing from David Lipsey himself? To learn more about the DAM Capability Model you can watch our on-demand webinar right here.

This session offers in-depth insights, practical examples and best practices for you to follow! Watch it here.

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 Management

Not 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 Storage

Creative 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 Access

With 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 Management

Effective 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 Distribution

Seamless 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 Management

To 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:

1. Maintain Creative Speed
2. Continuously Sync Creative Files
3. Maintain Creative Workflow
4. Improve Asset Discoverability
5. Track and Manage WIP

1. Maintain Creative Speed

Speed 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 Files

For 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 Workflow

A 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 Discoverability

One 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 WIP

While 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 Integration

Our 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!.

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 Enterprises

At 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 workforce
• Critical questions to ask to uncover your organization’s DAM needs
• The top considerations when evaluating a DAM vendor

Traditional Content Management: A Foundation with Flaws

Historically, 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 Limitations

The 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 Management

DAM 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 Enterprises

Exploring 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 DAM

A 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 Enterprise

A 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 World

With 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 Learning

The 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.

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, and
• why data security is a crucial aspect to your DAM functionality.

The DAM Data Security Revolution

Digital 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 Dilemma
  One 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 Functionality
  During 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 Value
  Some 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 Awareness
  In 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 DAM

In 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 Assets
  Imagine 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 Requirements
  Let’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 Reputation
  Imagine 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 Risks
  Consider 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 DAM

To 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 System

Data 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.

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!