Transforming through digital asset management: The University of Southern California implementation

Abstract

Digital asset management (DAM) can be a game changer for an organisation.
Over time, it progressively expedites and simplifies work processes, justifying the time
and effort of getting it correct the first time. At a large organisation with tens of thousands
of employees and multiple lines of business, it is even more critical to give thoughtful
consideration to each component of a DAM programme and design for maximum value to
ensure the programme remains viable and integral to the organisation over the long term.
This case study shows how implementing DAM for the University of Southern California
was an ambitious undertaking given the size of the organisation and complex set of
challenges that required considered creative solutions. Overcoming these challenges
through a comprehensive understanding of users and the overall needs the DAM serves
has resulted in a DAM system that adds value. The project also brought about important
learnings relevant to future projects and revealed vulnerabilities that could further improve
the programme once addressed. As integral as DAM is, it is typically one initiative among
many and must maximise resources to integrate with other projects that improve work only
when understood as an integrated whole.