The Criteria of Choosing a DAM Product: What Should You Bear in Mind?

DAM systems vary significantly in their architectural design and core competencies. We do not suggest our customers choose the DAM system only based solely on brand recognition or low upfront costs. To implement a system which can really bring you the success of business, you have to crystallize the purpose of implementation and the operational workflow, evaluate the features and the method (as well as time) of implementation before confirming the choice. Maybe we can give you some points of what you should consider before implementing DAM:

2.1 Searchability
Having a comprehensive and easy search system is the most basic requirement of DAM. The platform should offer advanced search capabilities that go beyond basic filenames search, but also metadata/tag search or even AI advanced search. Furthermore, having a clean and user-friendly user interface is also a critical determinant of system implementation.

2.2 Precise Metadata and Tag Management
Metadata and tag management are great factors that affect the quality of DAM. Product ID, brand name, campaign name, expiration dates… a good DAM platform should help you to manage all the metadata and tag information accompanied with the assets. Having a well-designed metadata management system can facilitate the users for data searching, and also increase operational data quality by well-defining the attributes of each asset.

2.3 The Capability of External System Integration
An efficient DAM system is usually able to integrate with other external applications. For example, by integrating with Product Information Management System (PIM), users can control both media assets and text product information seamlessly. And if you would like to lubricate your workflow, the system should also be able to connect with Adobe Creative Cloud to help users preview the Photoshop or InDesign files directly on the DAM.

2.4 Automated Workflows
Raw creation, multi-tiered reviews to formal sign-offs and public distribution, you are encouraged to have a system which can manage all these necessary and typical worksteps. DAM equipped with built-in creative workflow tools, digital proofing, and robust versioning mechanics will drastically reduce manual administrative overhead. Additionally, the platform must have scalability to accommodate future storage expansions and the onboarding of new business units.

2.5 Deployment Models: Cloud-Native vs. On-Premises Architecture
Normally, DAM platforms offer distinct operational profiles depending on their deployment architecture:

SaaS / Cloud-Native: A good choice to reduce the construction time and lower initial capital expenditure. Users can also shift the burden of infrastructure maintenance to the vendor.

On-Premises: Preferred by enterprises with highly rigid compliance mandates, isolated networks, or legacy internal integrations.

The deployment model must strictly align with your current IT governance, corporate security policies, and broader cloud strategies.

In sum, deploying the technical checklist below will help isolate the specific platform engineered to harmonize with your organizational goals and operational workflows:

Items	Checklist
Can the new system help you to search the assets more quickly?
Can you manage the metadata easily on the platform?
Does the new system provide PIM/CMS/Adobe Creative Cloud integration?
Does the system provide workflow management?
Do you need multilanguage support? If so, does the system provide the service?
What services do the system provide: cloud-based or on premises?
Does the system capable enough to offer expansion?

Here, we will introduce you to some major DAM products and their characteristics.

3.1 CIERTO
CIERTO is a Japanese DAM system produced by Visual Processing Japan Inc (VPJ). It provides central management of all your digital assets including images, videos and Adobe source files. It optimizes cross-functional content utilization and fortifies brand compliance. With a robust deployment track record of over 300 enterprises across a wide spectrum of sectors including Manufacturing, Retail and Real Estate, CIERTO offers unique architectural flexibility, allowing organizations to deploy in either SaaS or On-Premises environments based on their security frameworks.

【Core Capabilities】

• Over 300 successful enterprise deployments in Japan
• Hybrid deployment options for both Sass or On-Premises
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud workflows
• Workflow function with approval and preview
• DAM integration With PIM

【Target Users】

• Companies which are interested in Japanese market
• Businesses across diverse sectors requiring high-level workflow automation
• Enterprises seeking an optimized ecosystem for assets management

Besides, CIERTO is able to have PIM integration, which provides you the best combination for product and marketing materials management.

3.2 Bynder
Bynder is a cloud-native DAM platform with a highly recognized competency in brand asset governance. Deployed extensively by global corporations, Bynder excels at enforcing strict brand guidelines and marketing materials management.

【Core Capabilities】

• Heavy specialization in brand asset control
• Cloud-baser
• Multilanguage Support
• High affinity for marketing team

【Target Users】

• Global corporations
• Organizations focused heavily on strict brand governance

3.3 Adobe Experience Manager Assets
It is a DAM system provided by Adobe, offering unparalleled, native interoperability with the Adobe Creative Cloud.

【Core Capabilities】

• Deep-level synchronization with Adobe Creative Cloud
• Capable for massive operation
• Seamless integration with Adobe products

【Target Users】

• Companies frequently use Adobe products
• Companies running large-scale production

3.4 Acquia DAM
Acquia DAM is a cloud-based platform focused on streamlining digital content management for marketing teams. It supports the efficient use of marketing assets of the company.

【Core Capabilities】

• Cloud-based
• Specified for marketing
• Provide efficient content sharing for both internal and external stakeholders

【Target Users】

• Marketing Teams
• Companies who would like to strengthen their speed of content distribution

3.5 Canto Cumulus
Canto Cumulus is a pioneering DAM solution with an extensive legacy and a long-term track record in the enterprise market. It supports both cloud and on-premises services, serving companies in a broad array of industrial sectors.

【Core Capabilities】

• Long deployment history
• Capable for both Cloud and On-premise
• Flexible metadata management

【Target Users】

• Companies which planned for long-term DAM usage
• Corporations need on-premise environment

3.6 Brandfolder
It is a cloud-based DAM dedicated to intuitive brand asset management. It focuses on maintaining brand consistency and provides secure file sharing system.

【Core Capabilities】

• Specified for brand management
• Cloud-based
• Easy operations

【Target Users】

• Companies which are concerning with the brand issue
• Marketing team

And here is the list which will show the characteristics of each product clearly.

Product Name	PIM Integration	Adobe CC Integration	Workflow Management	Cloud/On-premises Support	Target Users
CIERTO	◎	◎	◎	Both	Manufacturing, retail, EC, advertising industries
Bynder	△	○	○	Cloud	Global corporations, Organizations focused heavily on strict brand governance
Adobe Experience Manager Assets	△	◎	◎	Cloud	Those who use Adobe applications frequently
Acquia DAM	△	○	○	Cloud	Companies focus on market activities
Canto Cumulus	△	○	○	Both	Companies which planned for long-term DAM usage
Brandfolder	△	○	○	Cloud	Companies which are concerning with the brand issue

Standard of Evaluation
 ◎：Highly capable/With great track records
 ○：Capable for the items
 △：Partly capable/Need reconfirmation

※Please be reminded that the table above is just for reference. We encourage you to see the updated news for each products and contact the sales representatives directly if you are interested in implementing the products.

Implementing DAM is a kind of trend in the global business world. However, it is important to truly understand “WHY” you need the implementation to reduce the loss of having an unsuitable system. Three things you always need to think about when choosing the DAM:

i. The issues and problems of your company
DAM is a problem-solving tool. It is meaningless if you introduce a system which cannot relieve the burden that you are bearing. Thus, you should have a clear image of what has to be solved, and clear goal(s) after implementing the system. It will be helpful to you when comparing different DAMs and picking the one which can really help you.

ii. Think about the Long-term Operation
Although solving the problems which are happening is important, do not forget to have a future image of problems you may confront after 3 or 5 years. A DAM system may not be compatible when your business comes bigger in the future. You are advised to choose a flexible product which is capable of large-scale expansion. Besides, if you are considering on-premise service, you also need to be careful about the maintenance cost and the risk of out of service.

iii. Check the Aftersales Support
One thing most of the users may ignore is the aftersales support. Even if you implement a highly suitable system, it will be a problem if you have any issues with the system but there is no proper supporting system. Before the implementation, you should also check the scope of aftersales service, the cost (paid service/free service), the business hour and support language (especially when you are using an overseas product).

If you are interested in implementing a DAM right now, or curious about CIERTO, feel free to contact us via email.