Digital Ad Lab UK (DAL UK)

Friday 25th May 2007

Sponsor Update – Quark
Gavin Drake updated us to the latest news from DAL’s primary sponsor. Please click here for a copy of the presentation.

The evolution of asset management into content/project management
This was a lively debate, which opened with the question being asked as to whether anyone was actually saving money by using an asset management system to which very few raised their hands.

Andy Psarianos used a great analogy, likening asset management to the debate of whether you wash up before or after you eat. The issue is that people should buy a dishwasher, but they often just buy more dishes. Data management is a bit like that, as storage is so cheap people keep buying more rather than tackling the issue of how the content is managed.

The difference between archiving and asset management was brought up. Everyone archives data, but asset management is a visible place available at all times to show you what you have stored. People find it difficult to make any distinction between the two so tend to shove the data any place where they know it will be stored.

In order to have an asset management system that works, you have to make a decision as to the storage process. If you manage this properly, it can result in a reduction of resources, costs etc.

It was agreed that it is pretty difficult to make money out of storing assets in this industry. Stephen Douglas sat a number of clients down and asked if this function should be value added or chargeable. The clients all felt that it should be part of the service provided to them. The measurable benefit to the client is how the process is managed, how it fits into their workflow and the delivery mechanism.

It was pointed out that other industries such as education and finance are realising the benefits of asset management as they are starting from the very beginning.

The session was concluded by the fact that whatever term you give it, asset management is not a stand-alone task and should be part of a seamless workflow. In the future it is likely that the asset will manage itself and all required information is generated with the file in the same way as the raw data format for digital photography.

Paper Naming
Craig Revie from Fuji talked about the fact that no measurement currently exists that will demonstrate how one printing spec will perform on a particular paper stock. They have formed the UK TC130 Technical Advisory Group to tackle this issue, amongst others, and the paper manufacturers are taking notice. Please click here for a copy of Craig’s presentation. You can also see the following two documents by clicking on the name:

- Pages from N632 Hannemann presentation on paper classification
- Pages from N631 Wales presentation on print predictability

Adfast - value now and in the future
Rob Fogwill gave us an update regarding the new Adfast charging model and what it means for the industry. Please click here for a copy of Rob’s presentation.

Soft Proofing Initiative/Ghent Update
Due to similar work being done in the industry, DAL is currently talking to Ghent about joining forces on the soft proofing initiative. It seems that everyone wants some international standards and we must work towards establishing those, without reinventing the wheel or duplicating efforts.

Andy Psarianos encouraged DAL members to join the Ghent WorkGroup. Please see www.gwg.org for further information.

Sponsor Update – Kodak
Please click here for a copy of Thierry’s presentation, which emphasises their response to the Soft Proofing Initiative.

Sponsor Update – Pro2col
Please click here for a copy of Andy’s presentation about what Pro2col can offer you.