Questions and Answers
What is a DAM system?
A Digital Asset Management (DAM) system is a database system that allows any digital file to be organised. More than just a photo database, a DAM system lets you upload files including video, PDF's, Word Doc's, logo files like EPS and almost any other digital file you work with.
How will a DAM system save me time and money?
Keeping your photos and other assets like video organised and in a single location can save you hours of lost time looking for the resources you need. If you add up the time spent searching for files by various staff the loss can be substantial. A database system makes searching for images fast and effortless. It will allow you to make collections where you can organise your images for current projects and share these with staff working on the same project. You can also email images directly from your database, and you will never have to worry about file sizes again!. This means no more "your attachment is too large to send" messages. Staff will also be able to work collaboratively making workflows and approval processes easy. You can even give your designer access to a folder of images you have selected for a publication without the hassle of having to email high resolution images.
How will a DAM minimise my copyright and consent risks?
A database system allows you to store copyright and consent information directly with the photo. When your staff select an image they will see instantly who owns the copyright and whether the subject has signed a consent form. You'll no longer be left guessing about this important information or leaving your business open to risk from using an image you don't have permission for.
How expensive is a DAM system that will meet my needs?
There's many different systems on the market that range greatly in cost. We are big fans of free open source software! These systems match the features and ease of use of many of the expensive solutions that may be offered to you. Working Photos can put together a proposal for your business that offers you affordable solutions that will get your resources organised.
We don't have an IT department so how can we manage a DAM system?
Working Photos can host your DAM system for you. We use Media Temple in the USA for our hosting service. It's large, safe and secure and with clients like Sony, Qantas and Toyota you'll be in good company. We take care of the installation and even upload all your existing photos for you. We can take care of all the maintenance and offer a help desk service for you as well.
Can a DAM be customised to match my needs?
Yes we can customise your system to match your needs. For example you can have as many fields as you like. For example you could add a 'History of Use' field so that all your staff will know where an image has been used before, you can have 'Name' fields, "City'; 'Copyright'; 'Photographer'; 'Consent Form'; the choice and number is endless. You can also make fields compulsory so that when staff upload images they have to add in the information you need.
We're a small business, is a DAM System worth it for us?
Absolutely, size or number of staff is not important if photos are integral to your work. Even with a few staff you can lose hours and hours locating photos, finding the right ones or trying to chase up names for a caption. In a small workplace investment in images can be a substantial proportion your marketing budget. With fewer staff you can't afford to be wasting time, having this asset organised will add value to any workplace.
How many staff can log on at once and what about staff outside head office?
We use web based systems. This means that any staff member with a log in and web access can use the system. There's no limit to the number of users you can have accessing your database. You control who has access through issuing access accounts with unique passwords and usernames.You can even set up a time limited account for media or designers to access separate collections of images or other files.
Will my staff need special training to use a DAM system?
Our databases are easy to access and use. However we suggest a training session to introduce staff to your new system and importantly how to get the most out of it. Our databases are intuitive and can be customised to meet your needs in terms of keywords and searching.
How will I maintain my system such as adding new photos or videos?
Working Photos will show you how to do this as well as giving you online instructions. However if you are pushed for time or don't have the physical resources we do this for you if you. You can use our services as you need, to upload your images and keep your system up-to-date, allowing your staff to focus on other duties.
How do you know which system will suit my needs?
There's a range of database applications available. What will suit you will depend on a number of factors including your budget, how many images you have, how many staff need access and how you work. Working photos will evaluate your work place and make a recommendation on what product is the most suitable for you now and into the future.