Version control is a mechanism designed in digital asset management (DAM) systems to manage changes to image files. It allows multiple team members to work on a single set of files, ensuring that all modifications are tracked and recorded.
This helps users easily access previous versions and understand the evolution of their assets over time.
By implementing a version control system (VCS), organizations can streamline their development process, reduce the risk of conflicting changes, and maintain a central repository of all assets. This ensures that every contributor has access to the latest version, while also preserving the ability to revert to earlier versions if necessary.
Version control is a foundational tool that supports collaboration, enhances project management, and safeguards the integrity of digital assets.
The Benefits of Version Control Systems
Better Collaboration: Version control systems help team members work simultaneously on different aspects of a project without the risk of overwriting each other’s work. Creative and marketing teams can make concurrent contributions to a project, with the VCS managing the changes.
Historical Record of Changes: VCS maintains a log of every modification made to a file, including who made the change and when. This historical record is invaluable for creative teams, allowing them to track the evolution of a project, revert to previous versions if necessary, and understand the decision-making process behind each alteration.
Improves Project Management: By providing a central repository for all project files, a version control system simplifies project management. Teams can easily access the latest versions of assets, ensure consistency across materials, and reduce the likelihood of using outdated files. This is particularly beneficial for marketing campaigns or creative projects that require a cohesive look and feel.
Mitigates Risk: VCS are a safety net for creative work. In the event of a mistake or an unwanted change, teams can quickly revert to earlier versions of a file, minimizing downtime and protecting against data loss. This capability is crucial for maintaining project timelines and ensuring the integrity of the final product.
Faster Access and Sharing: VCS facilitates easy access to and sharing of digital assets among team members, regardless of their location. This is especially beneficial for businesses with remote or distributed teams. Version control software in DAM systems ensures that everyone has access to the assets they need, when they need them, fostering a more efficient and collaborative environment.
How to Use A DAM Version Control System
Initial Setup and Repository Creation: The first step is setting up your version control system and creating a central repository via a DAM. This repository will serve as the central location where all your digital assets are stored. It’s important to organize your files in a way that makes sense for your team’s workflow.
Team Training: Team members should familiarize themselves with basic VCS functions in a DAM. They can learn how to upload new versions and activate versions. Training sessions or resources can help teams get up to speed quickly.
Set Permissions: Grant specific groups access to specific collections and galleries of content.
How Waterfall Resort Leverages Version Control
When drafts are ready, the marketing team adds them to a collection for sales. Later, PhotoShelter gives them centralized version control.
If they want to touch up an image they have already made available, they can update the file in PhotoShelter and ensure the old version is no longer accessible.
They don’t have to go around asking sales team members to delete the outdated version because the image they have access to will always be the best version.
This example from Waterfall Resort showcases the practical benefits of using a VCS in a business context. By adopting similar practices, creative and marketing teams can ensure that everyone always has access to the latest, most polished versions of digital assets, streamlining the process of sharing high-quality content both internally and with the public.
Ready to control your brand’s content? Get started today with PhotoShelter.