Now that we are facing the final part of this unexpected 2020, it is not a bad time to analyze the – largely compulsory – progress of remote work, whose widespread integration in many industries is already a tangible reality. This massive increase has been received with an almost unanimous acceptance (99%) and, in addition, most workers perceive that they are more productive following this model (77%), so it would not be strange that, taking advantage of the situation, many will keep this option in the mid and long term. This indefinite extension is an invitation to analyze other significant changes that have taken place in recent months, and, above all, to rethink the technological priorities for many professionals. In this article we will analyze some of the most important aspects to consider when choosing our content creation, management, programming and broadcast systems.
In the specific case of the Broadcast and Media Entertainment industry, the data is also enlightening. In addition to the immediate effects, similar to those of other industries, the pandemic has also accelerated structural changes that are expected to be permanent, and where many of the actors who were unprepared have been penalized, resulting in a very strong interest in increasing their internal investment in technology (48% according to IABM data) to give continuity to their business, particularly towards Cloud environments. In general terms, the situation has given wings to a digital transition in media companies that was already underway, accentuating the importance of profiles ready for constant innovation.
But after several months of obligatory measures, security protocols and adaptation, it is reasonable to ask not only about the validity of the model with the workers in mind, but also about what degree of preparation their tools have in their day-to-day work to keep their capacity and efficiency intact when working remotely. The ability to continue creating and delivering content under any circumstances and in an uncertain environment is more critical than ever, and the efficiency and functionality of the software that accompanies us is as essential as a dictionary to a translator. What should we keep in mind when choosing reliable systems?
1. Can I easily create, upload and manage my content?
Accessing our Media Asset Manageent system (MAM) via browser is now much more than a convenient feature. Having a system from which we can ingest, preview and edit content in the Cloud and, at a glance, control our entire catalog and archive remotely is an advantage that not all creators enjoy today. In addition, the chosen system should also facilitate collaborative remote work environments, so the instantaneous synchronization of the processes we carry out in the program, both with other systems and with the rest of the users of our team, is a more than advisable feature.
2. Can I control the programming of my content on any platform?
Again, web access to the BMS tool is only the first condition to optimize our resources. If it is also integrated with our MAM, allowing us to access our contents, segment them, consult the associated metadata and program and plan them in coordination with user profiles focused on advertising management, a large part of our tasks will be greatly simplified. Additionally, if we take into account a scenario in which any media company that aspires to compete publishes its contents on multiple platforms (linear, non-linear channels, YouTube …), having a system that facilitates all types of existing programming is a great competitive advantage and a better optimization of our resources.
3. Can I export my work smoothly and correct errors in time?
Another essential system that we should have when relying on our remote workflow should be a BPM manager, which is very important when importing the programming playlists generated in previous steps and, above all, checking for errors in the process by means of automated emailing through which we can correct any imperfections as quickly as circumstances require.
4. Can I see and control the final broadcast of my content in real time?
An intuitive playout system is the end of the road for many, but it is convenient that the program we choose facilitates the last tasks with the required solvency. Controlling the broadcast remotely in real time on any channel (SDI, IP, YouTube) can be very useful, particularly if you need to make last-minute changes and have to replace content and download or upload it to be effective in a scenario where every second counts.
5. Can I demonstrate the effectiveness of my remote workflow?
Despite not talking much about it, it is not unusual to find ourselves in situations where, due to legal imperative or work requirements, we need to have quick access to the results of our work for review. To avoid it becoming a heavy administrative task, it is good to have a remote system of multichannel ingest servers that continuously and autonomously record and monitor all our signals, being able to choose the requested content segments quickly thanks to a repository whose characteristics we will only have to program once.
If the answers to all these questions are yes, congratulations! You are ready to operate under any circumstances. If, on the contrary, you would like to know more in detail how to create such a workflow, our Product Manager, Toni Vilalta, will gladly show you in one of the dedicated demos of the second edition of our digital event, VSN Wired, which will last until September 25. Besides, if you need something more specific, we will be happy to answer your questions live. Get joined up!
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