Digital Asset Management (DAM) is a software that can store, share, and organize digital assets in one location. These assets could be images, videos, documents, or any other media. The system solves one of the major issues that many companies face: excess digital content. DAM takes your content and stores it in a way that is still accessible for all departments and clients from outside the company. 

Why Business Owners Use DAM

Many business owners have recently realized how important using a DAM system is because it increases their efficiency in the market, makes the business more customer-centric, and reduces the time spent on the entire design life-cycle process. Many web designers and business owners have also realized that using enterprise digital asset management software can provide great ways to improve the business in terms of marketing. Using a DAM software that uses AI metadata tagging and “on-the-fly” file transformations and integration can improve business campaigns on all platforms. 

The benefits of using a DAM for Web Designers  

Complete Control over Digital Assets 

Access to digital assets can be given on different levels. Generally clients do not have full view or access to all the files, while web designers have full control of the digital assets life-cycle. As a business owner or a web designer, you will be able to control who can access which files. The main benefit is that you’re able to change the files, and allow certain employees or clients to view final and approved versions of these files. A DAM software does not only allow you to control who views which files, but also allows you to keep track of each file’s origin, technical specifications, and copyrights. This can benefit you if you want to reuse these files in the future. You’ll be able to modify or customize files based on your current needs.

This digital management system which is specially designed for enterprises also includes a feature that allows you to view who is accessing the files. If you’re not sure who has access to the documents you added and where they’re being published, a DAM system will help you with that. Another important benefit of DAM is that you can know how a specific asset has been used, while you can also receive a wide range of reports with all the info you need.

Better Security 

You can forget about the conventional ways to encrypt and protect files because a digital asset management system will guarantee that all your files are protected in the storage center and in all the channels they’re sent through. You can also add watermarks and additional encrypted protocols through the software without the need for a third-party program.

Manage Copyrights 

If you have a lot of stock photography or if your company has a professional photographer, you’ll need to display usage restriction for other users. A DAM system can be set to store all copyright information, and display all usage restrictions for your photos and other original files. In case your photos were used without appropriate permission and you think it is an infringement, you may wish to enforce your rights. Visit this page to learn how you can file a claim for copyright infringement.

Managing Other Systems 

A good DAM system will allow you to manage other software programs easily. Dealing with other companies means that you’ll need to share some of your assets with all involved companies or entities. An enterprise digital asset management software will enable you to work with other case management software programs, and control your assets through one platform. 

Flexible System 

Large companies usually need to cover individual requirements by creating forms and data structures. DAM will provide you with a flexible, yet sophisticated, system to create your own forms and API integrations. This will also help you find the perfect solutions for all requirements smoothly.

Fast Searching

If you spend a lot of time searching for a specific file, then you definitely need a DAM system. Digital asset management systems allow you to add keywords, categorize, and subcategorize each file or group of files. This feature will save you a lot of time, and you will no longer need to memorize what each file contains. 

Better Communication 

An enterprise digital asset management software will allow you to easily communicate with your colleagues about changes or updates. Instead of sending emails all day long, your colleagues will be able to view the changes you made through a shared URL. They will not only be able to review your work, but can also download it. If you’re reviewing an asset, you can add comments and share your thoughts with the rest of the team without the need for sending an email with your feedback. A reliable DAM system will improve collaboration and reduce the time needed to complete a project. 

DAM systems upload a new version of the file changes. This means that when someone makes any changes to a certain document, image, or video, you can view the previous version and know what edits have been made. This feature allows everyone to be on the same page, and reduces inefficiency and redundancies that may be costly for the company. 

Saves Space 

Everyone knows that having a slow server can ruin an entire project for you. That’s why many people choose to delete files every now and then, so they can have a fast server. However, when using a reliable DAM system, you’ll have a fast server at all times, and you will not need to delete or archive any files.  

Tracking and Reporting 

Another main benefit of DAM is tracking and reporting. This feature allows you and other admins to view system usage. Viewing the usage of the software provides a better decision-making process in order to analyze which digital asset in the system provides the company with a higher ROI. You’ll also be able to see what asset has the lowest ROI and improve it by changing or modifying it.

DAM systems don’t only benefit web designers, but they also benefit the whole company with all of its departments. Studies found that these systems reduce the overall company’s expenses, increase production, and strengthen the protection and security of all files. Having control over all your files and storing them in a central location will reduce the time it takes you to search for a certain document or a picture as well. You will also be able to easily view these files, while also monitoring and controlling who sees them.

About the Author

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Mirko Humbert

Mirko Humbert is the editor-in-chief and main author of Designer Daily and Typography Daily. He is also a graphic designer and the founder of WP Expert.