DAM system migration - with our vendor-neutral all-round service
In practice, there are occasionally good reasons for a DAM system migration. On this page, we take a look at the reasons for such a change and provide important considerations for a smooth transition.
5 good reasons for a DAM system migration
- Manufacturer-related reasons: One clear case is that the DAM system is being phased out. The DAM manufacturer Canto has announced that it will officially end support for Cumulus Enterprise on December 31, 2023. Support for the Cumulus Entry and Workgroup editions already ended on December 31, 2022, so a change and good advice and service are essential. But there are other manufacturer-related reasons. Some DAM vendors are getting on their customers’ nerves due to new pricing models, sluggish development, insufficient cloud support, poor service, poor system performance … all of which can lead to justified resentment on the part of customers.
- Technological development: IT is constantly evolving, but certain DAM systems remain stuck in their time. One day, they no longer meet current requirements and technical standards. A system change can allow access to more advanced features and technologies that increase productivity and efficiency. SaaS was and is an issue, which is why a change may be necessary. For example, if IT is strategically moving to Software-as-a-Service and the cloud, a new cloud-native DAM is sometimes a better choice than one that has been half-heartedly trimmed to SaaS.
- Scalability: Many companies grow and expand quickly and their requirements change accordingly. They outgrow their old clothes. Some DAM systems are then no longer able to cope with the new requirements and growth. A system change makes it possible to implement a solution that is more scalable and suitable.
- User-friendliness: Usability requirements are also changing with the times and some providers are better at designing their system in such a way as to promote acceptance and use by employees.
- Reset, clean out, restructure: And then there are customers who would like to rebuild and restructure their DAM. Many systems grow organically over time, metadata and asset inventories are inadequately maintained and what a DAM should actually be able to do (quickly find, manage and use digital assets) is not possible.
What do I need to bear in mind when changing systems?
AdmiralCloud, Adobe Experience Manager, Bynder, Canto, CELUM, Lytho, OpenText Media Manager, Picturepark, Programmfabrik easydb/fylr … – all good DAM systems enable the management of assets on an enterprise basis. But the systems differ greatly in terms of functionality, scalability and performance, pricing, etc. We have been closely networked with the leading DAM manufacturers for many years, know many systems in detail and thus offer unique consulting expertise for a system migration from one DAM system to another DAM. We offer an all-round happy service for all DAM migrations. And with our DAMmigrate, we offer a tried-and-tested solution for the semi-automated migration of the entire asset portfolio, including asset data. This means that even very large asset inventories and catalogs can be transferred to a new DAM system quickly, budget-friendly and error-free. We customize DAMmigrate so that the tool understands the logic in your legacy and target systems and prepares your asset inventory accordingly. The solution guarantees an immediate ROI and makes DAM changes of any size easy to calculate.
But before a move becomes concrete, we clarify key questions with our customers in shorter or longer workshops:
- Define requirements: Before a change takes place, it is important to identify the company’s specific requirements. Which functions and integrations are required? What are the performance expectations? A clear definition of the requirements makes it easier to select a suitable DAM system.
- Careful evaluation: It is advisable to thoroughly evaluate different DAM systems to ensure that they meet the organization’s requirements. A comprehensive comparison of features, performance, scalability, usability and integrations is crucial. We offer in-depth comparisons with user stories, application matrices, PoCs, etc. However, some customers do without this and rely entirely on our expertise when making their selection.
- Training and support: A smooth transition requires proper training of employees to ensure that they can use the new DAM system effectively. We will bring your team up to speed so that they can make the best use of the new DAM system.
- Budget and schedule: We work with you to create a realistic budget and schedule. It is important to realistically estimate the cost of implementing the new system, including licenses, training and possible customizations, to avoid frustration and grey hairs and to ensure seamless operations. This is where our customers benefit from our immense experience with switching from one DAM system to another.
- Communication and change management: A system change can entail changes and adjustments for employees. Clear communication about the purpose of the change, the advantages and the benefits for the company is important in order to promote acceptance and commitment. Our consultants will also support you here.