Image management referred to as digital asset management, allows your photographers, web designers and graphic artists, efficiently and effectively manage unlimited digital files and photos. It also allows you to share and distribute these assets to third parties via a web interface quickly and easily.

Document imaging management is broken down into four categories where specific functions take place. Robust, intelligent drag-and-drop can import many different media formats, including images, audio, and video, illustrations, and PDF and HTML files.

1. Catalog functions maintain the integrity of your documents, capture and maintain metadata, and provide a way to store your assets and access them anytime from anywhere.

2. User function lets you search based on criteria. You can find your image by date, keyword or category; use a personal workspace layout; and drag and drop to move and send files.

3. Manage functions are capable of a variety of image management services, including catalog setup, backup and asset handling options. You can also add custom fields, print control options and asset handling.

4. Distribution functions let you distribute and transfer files. For instance, you can send, email and post files.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get the most out of your document imaging system

Your company will get the most out of digital asset management software if it has the right tools. For starters, make sure any software you consider supports the platforms you, your clients and staff are likely to use.

I recommend: IView Mediapro is easy to use, supported on multiple platforms, integrates in with any environment. It also comes with PDF instruction guides. The Canto Cumulus fact sheet offers a wealth of product information, and their customer resource center offers tutorials.

Test-drive digital image management software

Put various image management solutions on trial and test how easy it is to implement corporate image management software into your environment. You can also get a feel for how easy it is utilize all the image management tools a program has to offer.

I recommend: Phototools.com and Gold Metal Software's Imatch3 professional digital image management solutions both offer free download trial versions of their products.

Improve digital business operations with image management software

Image management software can be a powerful, customizable software application for importing, renaming, annotating, organizing, archiving, searching, backing up and distributing your growing collection of digital files.

I recommend: Photodex Corporation and PicaJet's digital asset management programs are powerful, full-featured and highly customizable digital photo management and imaging database software. Efficiently and effortlessly, you can organize your growing digital image collection.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before purchasing document imaging software, check the hard drive capability and system requirements to be sure you meet the hardware recommendations.
• •  Schedule a live webinar or webcast with the company of your choice for an online demo before ordering. Most companies offer free webinars to demonstrate their product and answer any questions you may have.