This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
18 TVBEurope MAM Forum 2013


Does a MAM need to cover all file-based activities, or is it viable to have a mini MAM for selected functions?


Casaccia: It is highly unlikely that any one MAM system will provide the ideal solution for every given use. An example of this might be sports logging which is generally accomplished using highly specialised software tools — this could be considered a mini-MAM in the sense of this question. Dwyer: It’s totally feasible to


have a ‘mini MAM’ for some clients who are just entering this new workflow – starting small and focused can help educate the organisation on the language, and challenges faced when implementing a MAM system. In fact, we often see multiple ‘mini-MAM’ disconnected from each other with impact on efficiency and throughput. One of the major business benefits of adding a MAM is bringing together multiple content repositories, different departments and manual activity to enable a more efficient overall operation. Jakobsen: The mini-MAM is quite useful. There are some aspects of production that need an end-to-end cover from a MAM system, like programme delivery, and there are others where a more ‘island’ approach


Petter Ole Jakobsen, VIZ


functions over time rather than do the whole facility at once. Maybe start with ingest for news, but keep the current workflow as is until that task works as expected, and then move on. This gives people time to adjust to a new way of working without major risk to the whole operation. Shaw: MAM should be modular and scalable and deployable both for specific tasks or complete workflows. A key part of an iFind implementation is the interfacing to other business systems and processes, allowing it to be an integrated part of an operation whatever the scale. Wright: MAM is demanding


or mini-MAM is best, like for playout. The Viz Media Engine Clip Store is an example of a mini-MAM that manages clips for tools like Viz Content Pilot and Viz Trio. Mehring: To realise their full potential, MAM systems must cover all file-based activities. Synchronisation between multiple mini MAM systems can cause headaches as some may not be as flexible or extensible as others. A MAM should not be focussed on


“To realise their full potential, MAM systems must cover all file-based activities”


tasks relating to a vendor’s own equipment in isolation. Potuzak: To best leverage the


advantages of a MAM it should cover all activities — but it is not absolutely necessary. For


Karl Mehring


example, one could implement a MAM in news, but not master control. Also, a low risk way for a customer to get into file-based workflows with a MAM is to incrementally convert specific


careful consideration as an operational or business strategy rather than as a product from a vendor. Trying to implement a single MAM to cover all broadcaster activities from acquisition to delivery is likely to be a protracted and expensive task, with a poor cost/benefit return. A MAM strategy should complement the needs of the business operation and bring otherwise disparate processing and management systems together.


What questions should a potential customer ask of a MAM supplier to ensure the right package is purchased?


Arenstein: Enquire about flexibility, scalability, configurability and be clear with the expected deliverable. I feel it is more important for the vendor — who has proven experience and knowledge of the product — to ask the potential customer the right questions. This leaves it up to the vendor to comprehend the workflow and design a solution that works best for the customer. Campanotti: It is important


to focus on key objectives and lay out a pragmatic and staged implementation plan. This approach will lead to a much more cost-effective solution and allow time for the customer to think more carefully about the inner workings of the facilities and staff. It also allows a more agile reaction to workflow changes, technical challenges, and human factors.


Mehring: How flexible and


extensible is the product out of the box? What level of statistical reporting is available? How easy is it to visualise and modify file-based workflows by the user? Shaw: Potential customers need to make it clear what they want to achieve and then look for the supplier to detail how the proposed solution would work in their specific environment. Focus on workflows first, technology second — it is the user that will ultimately be the judge! Wright: The stock answer


Raoul Cospen, Dalet


Cospen: MAM is a vast subject. There are many possible workflows, many possible formats, integrations with third-party systems, and so on. We advise our customers


to have a top-down approach of their requirements. First, think about the business objectives, and what the future needs will be, before getting into the workflow details, then


the technical requirements. A lot of those questions are usually answered during the pre-sales phase, along with system architects and workflow consultants.


of having ‘a well-documented API’ isn’t enough. Customers should satisfy themselves that any interfaces do indeed give them the access to required data or functions and the vendor is willing, at accepted rates, to carry out integration works.


www.tvbeurope.com December2013


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52