Nanny to Mommy

These days more businesses than ever before are turning to DAM software as a means to store their company’s digital files and most valuable assets. As businesses are becoming more and more digitized, it's commonplace for organizations to have thousands of files, ranging from data sheets and sales materials to presentations, marketing documents, product photography and video, as well as website and written content.

A Digital Asset Management system keeps all these files in one easy to manage place. Using a powerful, Google-style search criterion, employees can find the specific file they need within seconds. Version control capabilities, user groups and permission profiles keep these files up to date and protected, making DAM software an essential part of any organization. 

While the implementation of DAM software can help streamline workflows across your department or company, businesses can still benefit from someone at the helm of this powerful organization tool. This is where the role of a Digital Asset Manager comes in.

Although the role primarily involves handling digital assets, DAMs have a whole host of responsibilities. As the curator or librarian of the Digital Asset Management software application, they're responsible for the organization, cataloguing and managing of every file and digital asset that brings value to the company. In addition, a DAM is also at the helm of business collaboration and ensures that everyone across the business can access the files they need, helping to streamline practices and prevent workflows from bottlenecking.

- Effectively managing and overseeing the storage and maintenance of all digital assets. Keeping metadata entry and categorization guidelines clear and consistent

- Control and maintenance of usage rights and creation of permission profiles

- Mapping and development of workflows, improving them and ensuring processes are streamlined and automated

- Monitoring of secure files and adhering to security policies

- Tracking and monitoring how people use and interact with certain files and use this information to the benefit of the business as a whole 

As a DAM manager, you'll need a whole host of skills to ensure you are successful at implementing and maintaining the software. Skills and expertise in the following are also considered essential:

- Good knowledge and prowess in various platforms including CSS, ADA, HTML and other programming languages.

- Familiarity with Content Management Systems.

- A good understanding and familiarity with metadata, search principals and SEO

Having a passion and extensive knowledge of technology is only one side of the role, being able to communicate effectively with colleagues and have the capacity to share your knowledge is also essential. Personal skills required include: 

- Patience, especially when training new members of staff or implementing changes 

- Attention to detail. This is important for ensuring all digital assets and organization is meticulously handled across the board and without error. 

- Leadership and project management skills. 

- Someone who thrives with change. As an Asset Manager, you’re constantly working on ways to improve workflows and develop better processes. You must be someone who embraces change and someone who can share your enthusiasm with others to succeed.