DAM - Getting Started

Formula for Success

The below criteria pave the way for a successful and sustainable DAM initiative. They include:

1. A Senior Management Stakeholder
2. Clearly defined Goals & Objectives
3. Needs Analysis
4. Requirements Specifications
5. Consensus of primary stakeholders
6. Technology Evaluations
7. Budget/Business Case
8. Implementation Plan
9. Training Matrix
10. Maintenance Plan/Budget
11. Scaling the system as needed (upgrades and enhancements)

Avoiding the Six (6) Common Mistakes in Choosing a DAM System

In accordance with our client and prospect surveys that motivated the Whitepaper with the same name, Otec Solutions has developed a process and associated tools to help you through the six (6) most Common Challenges that are defined as:

1 A Productive & Efficient process to;

Define what features and functionality you need for your specific business.

Help determine the cost of problems your currently faced with that a DAM system would eliminate or reduce.

Gather the technical details of your current infrastructure to facilitate a GAP analysis and budget for possible system enhancements that would be required to support your desired DAM solution.

2 Proof that a proposed system will meet your needs.

Obtaining adequate proof that a product(s) will meet your needs can be as simple as a customized demonstration using your actual file types with the desired client interfaces, or could include a pilot test or trial for extended evaluations. Either way, Otec is committed to ensuring that the defined requirements of any given system are clearly demonstratable.

3 A Comprehensive Implementation Plan

Through years of practical experience Otec has developed a comprehensive Implementation Plan that details all phases and related milestones that include:

Installation

Configuration

System population

Testing

Administrator & User Training

Creation of client specific training and reference guides

Post Roll-out on-site support and technical assistance

4 An Appropriate Entry Point

As we've stated before, a DAM system is more a process than a project.

Although important to consider the end result of your desired system, carefully consider the features and functions that will be required first, and the time it will take to get them up and running. Additional modules and functionality can be added over time that could ease initial budget commitments. The same considerations can be applied to the necessary hardware to support a DAM system. Otec can help leverage your current IT investments to reduce a high priced entry barrier.

5 Support

The competence as well as speed which your chosen solution provider can deliver timely support after the installation should not be overlooked. Reference accounts are of significant value in this regard as they often separate the claims of a provider from the reality of users.

6 Sustainability (Upgrades and Enhancements)

Don't make a purchase decision until you've confirmed the financial stability of the manufacturers you're considering. Confirm their market share and local working installations and that they have a proven track record for regular upgrades and enhancements that keep your system current with associated application software upgrades.

In fact this should be the first criterion evaluated before you look at any features. The taste of a sweet price has often turned sour when you realize you're trying to run an abandoned product or a product that, due to lack of critical mass, doesn't stay current with the ongoing evolution of your primary applications software.