Digital asset management at 3M

Abstract

3M is a diverse and complex company, hence the journey to digital asset management (DAM) within the company as a system and as business process is a constant work in progress. The combination of technology, change management, business process and policies and guidelines drives the company forward in this endeavour. 3M’s journey into DAM began in 1997. The company has implemented three generations of DAM over the past 18 years. The conceptual model of ‘e’ at 3M is highly dependent on the connection of DAM to its product information management system. Because of the complexity of 3M as a company, and because it has so many subsidiaries around the world using its DAM solution, 3M has many interesting requirements that must be fulfilled. As can be imagined, 3M has a diverse user base, product categories and business units. This necessitates that the team take the time to understand those needs, as well as look after the needs of the larger corporation as the DAM system is implemented and as any improvements or requirements for future upgrades are gathered and eventually the system is upgraded.