Next Steps to Implement DAM

By Ben Owen | May 10, 2023

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As we stated at the beginning of the Consumer's Guide to Choosing a DAM Platform, technology is only one component of a healthy DAM Program. With that in mind, the implementation of a DAM Platform is a huge opportunity to integrate your processes, new technology, and the people in your organization to create the foundation of a scalable and efficient DAM Program. To make the most of this opportunity, we've outlined the next steps after you choose a DAM Platform, along with associated costs and to-do's.‍

Next Steps After Choosing a DAM Platform‍

1. Establish Standards & Processes

To make the most of the DAM Platform you just invested in, you'll need clear, understood, and documented processes and standards around managing digital assets and the platform they live within. These standards and processes include permissions hierarchies, folder structures, file naming conventions, metadata taxonomies, and many workflows from asset ingestion to archiving.

To-do's:

Develop user groups & permissions hierarchies
Develop DAM standards, including taxonomy structure, metadata requirements and more
Create core workflows and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
Outline asset lifecycle & DAM governance model

Associated Costs:

Onboarding & implementation fees (Est. $5,000-$20,000 depending on DAM Program size and complexity)

2. Validate & Document DAM Processes

Once you've created standards and processes, you need to pressure test them in the real world. Ask your DAM Platform vendor about developing a testing environment in which your team can iterate. Once feedback is collected and processes are adjusted, they need to be documented and distributed to end-users.

To-do's:

Implement select standards, processes, & integrations on-platform
Run end-users through User Acceptance Testing (UAT)
Collect feedback & adjust standards
Document standards, processes, & workflows
Distribute documentation to end-users

Associated Costs:

Typically included in Onboarding & Implementation fees

3. Implement DAM Processes & Standards

Finally, it's time to set up your processes, allowing you to confidently launch the DAM Platform to end-users. This step requires significant time and oversight, often necessitating an internal hire or contracting an external agency to execute this work for you.

To-do's:

Create folder structures, permissions hierarchies, and other workflows within the DAM Platform
Enrich relevant assets with metadata, organize assets appropriately, and publish assets to the DAM Platform
Quality control the development of processes and standards
Train and onboard end-users

Associated Costs:

Third-Party Support (Dependent on activities and agency)
Hiring fees + DAM Librarian salary (Dependent on location and experience level)

Looking Back

Did you just jump into the Consumer's Guide here? Take a look back at what you missed in the earlier portions of the Consumer's Guide to Choosing a DAM Platform!