Who Uses Photo Management Software?
The need for organization is universal, and most businesses have digital assets requiring management. Marketing and media teams, for example, frequently use and share a significant amount of photos and videos. On the other hand, photo management software isn’t limited to enterprises. Individuals, such as photographers, designers, and other creative professionals, often require image management tools. Many photo management tools have pricing tiers, making the software accessible to various buyers regardless of budget.
Challenges with Photo Management Software
Slow: One of the main complaints users have about photo management software is that these tools can sometimes be slow, unresponsive, or lagged. This could be due to the sheer volume of images uploaded to a user’s photo album, or the tool may consume a lot of resources when running on a user’s machine. Machine requirements should be taken into consideration when purchasing a photo management tool.
Needs a computer: To get the most out of photo management software, users will likely need a laptop or desktop computer. While some photo management software tools can be used on an android or Apple iOS mobile device, most tools will need to be used on a computer. Many tools are operable on both Windows and macOS. Individuals looking for a personal photo management tool can import photos from their mobile device or digital camera.
How to Buy Photo Management Software
Requirements Gathering (RFI/RFP) for Photo Management Software
Whether a company is just starting to explore photo management software or looking for a more appropriate solution for its needs, g2.com can help inform buyers of the market and assist them in selecting the best software for their business.
The first step in deciding which kind of photo management software a buyer should look at is assessing the organization's needs as a whole. Does the organization already use this kind of software? If so, what works and what doesn’t? Is this the first time the organization will be using photo management software? If that’s the case, buyers will need to determine if they only need it for storage and organization or if they are looking for additional features. Some points to consider are:
Company size: Buyers will need to ensure that the products they are looking at will suit the size and needs of the organization. When purchasing software, it’s important to ensure the product has the appropriate scalability to adapt to changing needs. Some free photo management software options are available if an individual is looking for a personal photo management tool. These free options may or may not include basic photo editing features.
Feature set: Buyers will need to determine if photo editing features are an important part of their decision-making process when selecting photo management tools. As mentioned earlier, many photo management software products come with basic photo editing functionality. However, some products come with robust photo editing features, potentially eliminating the need to purchase separate photo editor software. Knowing the organization’s upfront requirements will help save time and money when assessing software needs in the future.
Compare Photo Management Software Products
Create a long list
The first step to finding the perfect software is to create a preliminary list of products that fit the buyer’s general needs. The next step is to narrow down the list by selecting key features that are must haves or requirements for the buyer. G2.com provides information about the best photo management software, allowing buyers to filter options and user reviews to help narrow the product list to a more relevant selection.
Create a short list
Creating a short list of products is an important step in the buying process. While it may be daunting to filter through various products, users can get help by utilizing G2’s compare feature. This feature will take products of choice and display them side by side so the buyer can easily determine which software ticks the important boxes on the list.
Conduct demos
Once the buyer has narrowed down the product list, the next step is to conduct a demo. Demos allow buyers to see a product and its features in more detail. To ensure a buyer gets the most out of a demo, it’s essential to prepare. Buyers should have a business scenario ready that will fully test each product in consideration. Additionally, buyers should inquire about cost, vendor support, and any concerns they have about the product. Adequate preparation will make it easier for a buyer to compare products after demos have been completed.
Selection of Photo Management Software
Choose a selection team
Photo management software is very useful for creative professionals and teams within organizations that use and manage digital assets. While individual contributors only need to assess products for themselves, enterprises should select three to five team members from various teams and seniority levels to be part of the selection team. The more varied the selection team is, the better a company can assess how well a product will meet its needs.
Negotiation
Once the selection team has narrowed down their software picks, it’s time to discuss customization options, pricing, and the type of support needed from the vendor. It’s always important to address pricing options, even when they are listed on a vendor’s website. Many software vendors will provide discounts and custom pricing options based on what the buyer is looking to purchase.
Final decision
Once a buyer has made the final decision on a product and is ready to move forward with a purchase, it is recommended that the buyer conducts a final demo, inquires about a trial run, and determines what the next steps are if the product doesn’t ultimately fit their needs. It's also important to look into the kind of support the vendor provides following implementation. Most vendors will provide customer support services to ensure a pleasant customer experience. These steps can give a buyer an additional sense of security and confidence when making a final decision.
