Workflow and collaboration features

Not only can Third Light IMS solve existing problems and eliminate bottlenecks, it also provides a highly productive new range of options that can be used to further increase efficiency. Third Light IMS provides a sophisticated and easy-to-use process for handling approvals, keywording and joint access to project lightboxes, for example.

Collaborate with shared lightboxes

Lightboxes allow users to keep all the media needed for a specific project in one place. As lightboxes can be saved and shared between people, users can collaborate on projects with ease, for example if the manager needs to approve picture selections. They could be next door - or in Ecuador.

Just drag-and-drop the required file into the lightbox and it is immediately available to everyone else who shares that lightbox. The digital asset management server sends email alerts with links to help accelerate collaboration. Users can zip up the contents with one click and even have multiple lightboxes.

Read more about lightboxes...

Upload content from anywhere

Uploading a file to your digital media server can be done in one of three ways, allowing you to choose the method which best suits your workflow:

• From within the web browser itself;
• Using our intuitive Desktop Upload Tool for Windows;
• For more advanced users - via FTP;
• Using plugins for popular software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Adobe Lightroom, Apple Aperture.

All administrators can upload and can also grant uploading rights to other users of the system.

To allow extra flexibility, our digital asset management software includes the facility to set up an unlimited number of upload accounts, which can be allocated to your customers, suppliers and colleagues directly. When new data is uploaded, IMS will alert you, leaving the media in a convenient holding area, awaiting approval. A sophisticated system of approvals or metadata requirements can be used where required (see below).

Upload and download approvals workflow

Not only can you control who can view a file but, if required, requesting administrator approval can be made a compulsory part of both the upload and download processes. Users simply give a reason for the upload or download and a nominated Administrator can then take a judgement on whether the request is appropriate for the stated purpose. Automated emails keep both parties up-to-date with progress, ensuring that the process is clearly communicated and efficient.

Personal accounts for every user

Logging into a Third Light digital asset management server is a highly personalised experience, with every user having their own username and password and area to work within. Individual users can leave notes against files, and detailed change tracking is fully integrated with the identity of the users making changes. IMS's focus on individual users dramatically improves overall management and accountability, while also offering a greatly improved experience to each person accessing the files.

The permissions system allows you to assign files to users individually or in groups. If a user is not assigned a certain area of your media library, they cannot search or access the files that it contains.

User groups to simplify administration

In a large company, the prospect of administering hundreds of users might sound daunting. Our digital asset management software allows you to set up groups of user accounts sharing common permissions and settings. In this way, you can have a uniform set of permissions for a whole department. If your company already uses an Active Directory (LDAP) or OpenID server to manage users' accounts on other computing systems, IMS will integrate with that, too, so users do not have to complete additional sign-in procedures.

It is possible to make simultaneous updates to some or all users, even if they are not grouped, which makes managing the Permissions system even easier.

Sign-up new users automatically

If you wish, Third Light allows visitors to request an account and receive their login details automatically by email. This system can also be integrated with existing marketing-driven sign up forms, and is completely configurable if you need to collect any specifics from users before creating their account.

It is also possible to set up public Galleries and Events, which allow access to individual folders without logging in.

Third Light IMS and Vuelio integration

Vuelio is a public relations tool developed by AIMediaComms, which has become the software of choice for PR and communications professionals working in the public and private sector.

If you are an AIMediaComms customer, to find out more about the full IMS system without obligation, please complete our contact form. We will be delighted to arrange a meeting and discuss the options available.

What our customers are saying...