19th January 2024

Sam Dougan

Digital asset management software is often misunderstood and misused, it’s not as daunting as it seems and if used correctly it can be a lifeline to much-needed structure. Below I’m going to debunk some common myths you might have heard related to the use of a DAM.

DAM software is often perceived as too expensive, and yes you can spend endless amounts of money on software and implementation but there are affordable options available that cater to various budget levels. Your investing should be long term and over time it can help streamline workflows and reduce time spent searching for assets.

There are free options, DAMs for not-for-profit - the opportunities are endless, and it doesn’t all have to be at a corporate enterprise level cost.

Implementing a DAM solution doesn't require extensive coding skills or knowledge. Platforms offer friendly UIs and basic setup processes that don't involve any coding. This isn’t to say you can’t use code to customise parts if required.

While many software in today's age have steep learning curves for the user, most modern platforms prioritize user experience, offering intuitive navigation and robust search functionalities. With proper training and familiarization, navigating a DAM system can become second nature.

DAM software seeks to enhance collaboration by providing one centralized hub for assets, enabling all team members to access, share, and collaborate on files seamlessly. Using version control features further streamlines collaboration efforts in an attempt to help bring users together when working on projects.

Solutions come in all shapes and sizes, which accommodate businesses of all scales. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, most options can grow and develop as you do.

Losing files within a DAM is almost impossible. Almost. With correct metadata assets are systematically organized and easily searchable, significantly reducing the risk of loss. Alongside that, nearly always the implementation task informs the structure, metadata, naming convention and organisation of the assets. Advanced metadata tagging and version history features further safeguard against accidental deletions or misplacements with other features like duplicate detection notifications and admin rights, these help stop accidents from happening.

Sharing assets is effortless with a DAM, as it provides secure sharing options, levels of access permissions, and audit trails to track asset distribution and usage wherever your assets end up.

Implementing a DAM quickly can be done, but it more often than not won’t be done well or correctly if that’s the case. You should allow time and investment for setup and training, by doing this you’ll reap the rewards in efficiency and productivity later on down the line.

What other misconceptions have you come across?

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