A bit about technology

Hope those of you that are snow bound like me are making the most of catching up on any backlog from the festive break.

One of the things that I was really surprised about when I became a 'poacher' or was it a 'gamekeeper' when I moved agency side, was the lack of technological systems and processes that an agency had in place, both for its own internal use and for the interaction with clients. I think it is improving a bit but it seems to be more lead from the client.

Systems such as Digital Asset Management systems are being used more and more in the back of the decoupling of press production activity from mainstream agencies. But what about process management ? Are there systems in place that can improve the efficiencies and therefore the costs long term of the briefing to the final approval stage? Are clients looking at companies such as BEAM, Adstream and Adgistics to improve their supply to the market. Be good to get any one's thoughts on this topic. I know that some of it does come down to budget and where does the cost sit - it is a Purchasing initiative but requires investment from Marketing.

What prompted me was that I have just come across this Event in February and have booked to attend - Technology for Advertising and Marketing. Be good to see what is out there for both clients and agencies to consider. Click here for the link to the event.