It is safe to say that almost all organizations and individuals rely on digital assets in some capacity. A digital asset describes any digital content and media businesses may utilize, like documents, media files, marketing collateral, and other digital files.

Unfortunately, with how often digital tools are used in day-to-day processes, these combined assets can add up. Thus, companies can be left with rows upon rows of pixelated folders with little knowledge of their contents.

While the idea of managing digital assets may seem overwhelming now, digital asset management (DAM) software solutions can help you organize your media, improve your productivity, and get the most out of your assets.

Read on as we discuss the features and functions of digital asset management software, compare some popular solutions, and help you find the best software for your needs.

What Is Digital Asset Management Software?

To start, digital asset management is the structure organizations use to manage their digital assets in a cost-effective manner. It also involves the maintenance of these digital assets to ensure proper upkeep based on factors like capacity, security, and performance.

Digital asset management software allows buyers to easily and effectively access and utilize their digital media assets in one centralized system.

Digital asset management overview

Canto	no	yes	no	no	yes	yes
Bynder	no	yes	yes	no	yes	yes
monday.com Work OS	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
MediaValet	no	yes	yes	yes	no	yes
Asset Bank	no	no	yes	yes	yes	yes
Cortex	no	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Smartsheet	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes	yes
Wrike	yes	yes	yes	yes	no	yes
Product	Multi-Campaign	Mobile Access	Collaboration Tools	Activity Dashboard	File Transfer	Version Control

Top Digital Asset Management Software

Here, we will look at some of the top digital asset management tools available on the market today.

Canto

Canto’s Digital Asset Management product has an intuitive interface designed to assist users with their digital asset organization. Automated workflows can save time for workforce teams, as repetitive tasks are performed within the system.

In addition, file sharing is made possible, which helps teams with collaboration. However, no other collaboration tools exist, which is a drawback. Still, the software offers many great perks to interested buyers, such as file conversion, asset categorization, brand guidelines, and more.

Bynder

Bynder’s DAM software allows for easy collaboration through its cloud-based solution. This means that data can be accessed and utilized remotely in the system. Additionally, users can customize their brand guidelines and monitor them in the system to maintain consistency across brand assets. Bynder’s easy-to-use Digital Brand Templates and configurable workflows can benefit brand-forward organizations.

monday.com Work OS

When it comes to ready-made templates, monday.com may just be the vendor to beat. The Work OS platform has many options for users looking to customize their digital assets.

And the software makes collaboration easy, as when one team member adjusts the shared system, it is adjusted automatically across the network through real-time data syncing. In addition, users can handle multiple campaigns and projects simultaneously, so all plans are maintained and organized for success.

MediaValet

MediaValet’s brand asset management software is an excellent choice for those looking to improve the perception of their organization and maintain brand consistency. Organizations using the product can rest assured that their digital branding is streamlined and correctly executed across their external systems.

In addition, the open API allows users to integrate with their existing platforms, so all of their needs can be processed within one solution.

Asset Bank

Asset Bank is a beneficial option for users looking to manage their data on a larger scale. Their Content Delivery Network feature allows users to speed up page load times for digital content globally.

In-house solutions and third-party solutions can be integrated with the tool’s REST API, so users can easily retrieve and adjust their data in the system. And for busy users, the system even allows for secure, easy logins with a range of single sign-on (SSO) options.

Cortex

Cortex’s Digital Asset Management system, Orange Logic, is a polymorphic platform attuned to the needs and workflows of users. The system provides a central asset repository and offers individual DAM solutions for separate departments, meaning that all assets are connected in a centralized source of truth. Through this, the tool can quickly adapt to the needs of each department.

Users can also enjoy the security that comes from utilizing this tool, as the audit trails, automatic backups, and custom watermarks make it easier to protect assets.

Smartsheet

Smartsheet is a workforce software solution through which users can maintain the compliance and management of their digital assets. As an enterprise management tool, it promotes easy collaboration with features like file sharing.

Additionally, users can maintain the proper use of their digital solutions with Smartsheet’s version control feature, so any changes to their assets’ metadata can be tracked and managed.

Wrike

Wrike is a Citrix-owned work management tool with features to help users with digital asset management. For example, they can locate and access their digital assets within the system for easy use when needed.

The software even provides features for the creation and production of assets with Adobe Creative Cloud integrations, so users develop assets customized to their business needs.

Common Features of Digital Asset Management Software

Digital asset management solutions tend to have many features in common, with some unique features that set them apart from the competition. Here are some valuable capabilities and features to look for when shopping for a digital asset management tool.

Multi-Campaign

For organizations that organize email campaigns or even non-brand-related projects, multi-campaign features can allow them to work on multiple workflows at once. This can increase campaign productivity and enable users to manage and work toward multiple goals at once.

Mobile Access

Having a tool with mobile accessibility can be a lifesaver for a distributed business or organization. Not only can digital assets be managed and accessed remotely, but users can address important issues at any time and any place.

Collaboration Tools

Teams benefit from a product with tools that promote collaboration. Team members can keep track of workflows and objectives, communicating within the system to stay on the same page. These tools can make sharing, updating, and approving digital assets easy.

Activity Dashboards

Activity dashboards can do wonders to maintain productivity and keep team members together on the right track. They can also help with monitoring each of their user’s activities, so leaders can be aware of and manage their team member’s actions.

File Transfer

Digital assets can be transferred across user networks if the management solution has file transfer capabilities. However, collaboration and data sharing can become more difficult without these capabilities, as file transfers cannot occur within the system.

Version Control

Tools with version control features can let users view and manage the changes that were made to their digital programs. This way, software and IT teams can easily track changes to a digital asset’s metadata and avoid unintended actions and errors.

Benefits of Digital Asset Management Software

For organizations that want to manage their assets and leverage them to the greatest benefit, digital asset management software provides many advantages.

These solutions help organizations maintain the inventory of their assets and properly process the disposal of digital assets that are no longer necessary to their operations.

In addition, users organize assets within the system platform to quickly access and utilize them. This can be helpful for organizations to ensure consistency across each of their different files and assets.

Many tools also offer features popular among enterprise management solutions in general, such as security and encryption capabilities, and streamlined workflows with tools to support team communication. Many tools offer specific features for monitoring digital content rights and compliance to avoid violations.

What to Consider in Digital Asset Management Software

When choosing a digital asset management system, first consider your business’s needs and decide what software products best suit them. For instance, organizations that value open communication and teamwork would appreciate tools with collaboration features — so software like monday.com may be a good fit.

Additionally, identify must-have versus nice-to-have features. For example, while those that value consistency in their branding may like a tool like MediaValet, the product may not be the right choice if they also value file-sharing or working on multiple campaigns at once.

By considering the capabilities of digital asset management products and what you would value in a solution, you can decide on the best tool for your needs.