Visual assets are the heart and soul of all marketing campaigns. To capitalize on your brand’s images and videos, it’s essential that all team members, especially developers, be able to easily access the latest approved assets from a well-organized asset management system.
Keep reading to learn how effective visual asset management frees developers from gatekeeping assets and allows all teams to maximize efficiency.
Media asset management (MAM) is a comprehensive system that streamlines the organization, storage, and retrieval of digital assets, namely, images, videos, and audio files. Instead of individuals creating their own system for cataloging company assets, organizations use media management software to easily categorize and maintain usable media files.
Key features to look for media asset management solutions include:
- Centralized storage. Having a single location where team members can find and share the files expedites retrieval and saves storage space by minimizing the potential for duplication.
- Metadata management. Categorize and tag assets with keywords, descriptions, and usage rights. This simplifies organization and makes it easier for users to search and find necessary assets without involving other teams or coworkers. Some systems will automate the categorizing and tagging process for optimal efficiency.
- Integration with other platforms. Social media networks and content management systems are powered by media files, so the right media asset management system is the one that easily integrates with your existing platforms and tools.
Every department depends on tech experts for a multitude of tasks, so it’s no surprise that most IT professionals and developers are in high demand. Media asset management is a strategic way to give developers the time back they need to complete more intensive projects.
Automated media management solutions enable non-IT team members to access media files on their own. The less time developers spend transforming, tagging, and retrieving media and other digital assets, the more time they can devote to deep, innovative work on other high-value projects.
Although developers need to initially configure the system and integrate it with the existing tech stack, they can typically step back once the system is in place. Low- to no-code media management enables every organizational team to manage their time better and move nimbly in everyday processes, leading to better resource management and increased productivity.
When time is of the essence, automated media management serves your business instead of making team members struggle with outdated systems. In fact, one recent survey reported those who use automations at work gain back 3.6 hours each week. Other benefits a comprehensive media management solution provides are:
- Improved efficiency. Not-so fun fact: 47% of digital workers struggle to find the information they need. Easily locating and retrieving image and video files is a must-have for any team that works with assets.
- Accelerated project timelines means faster time to market. Instead of waiting for file access and approvals, users get what they need and complete projects quickly.
- Brand consistency and compliance. Brand guidelines and licensing agreements can change, and it’s vital to only use the most up-to-date assets. Media management systems are great at version control and ensure that everyone is using the latest and greatest files, regardless of their department or team.
- Better collaboration. As a single source of truth for visual assets, a media management system streamlines how files are shared, revised, and approved, enabling better collaboration across departments.
Media asset management addresses the need for easy media access in a centralized, organized, and secure location. Cloudinary offers a range of asset management solutions and other ways to maximize the value of all your media. Learn more.
