Why creatives need bespoke Apple solutions
New Zealand’s marketing agencies, from advertising and digital through to SEO and PR (as well as corporate marketing teams), need seamless workflows because marketing and media is a deadline-driven industry. Productivity is optimum when it is consistent, but that is hard to achieve when technology and workflow-related interruptions create bottlenecks, impacting efficiency, creativity, and, ultimately, revenue.
Digital Arena provides Auckland IT support for marketing agencies and a comprehensive IT services suite tailored specifically for creative teams (including corporate). Leveraging industry-leading tools, Digital Arena’s technology stack is crafted to keep marketing teams in a state of “flow” — uninterrupted productivity that keeps projects moving forward.
An integrated IT partner
With more than 20 years of working exclusively with the industry, Digital Arena have learned how to create a seamless IT technology experience that minimises downtime and maximises efficiency.
Using a combination of tools, best practices, and a deep understanding of creative workflows, we are far more than just an IT provider. Instead, we function as an integrated partner focused on creating consistency and flow for teams in Auckland and beyond.
The Digital Arena engine room success stack
At the heart of Digital Arena’s service is what we term the “engine room success stack” — a system of tools, workflows, and processes that standardise and simplify work for all team members. By building consistency and efficiency in each workflow, we reduce complexity and keep creative teams aligned. The Digital Arena approach addresses the common problem of teams working in isolation without shared methodologies, creating a cohesive workflow that benefits new and seasoned team members alike.
Core elements of the success stack:
- Standardised tools: A consistent set of tools used across all projects.
- Defined workflows: Clear workflows that everyone on the team follows, eliminating redundant or conflicting steps.
- Unified communication: Encouraging collaboration and sharing knowledge rather than isolated problem-solving
By implementing these strategies, Digital Arena enables marketing teams in Auckland and elsewhere in New Zealand to work cohesively. This support fosters innovation and productivity, ensuring that teams can collaborate efficiently, share insights, and avoid costly mistakes often arising from miscommunication or disjointed workflows.
Leveraging JAMF for Device Management
Device management is critical to maintaining a state of flow, especially in creative environments where multiple Apple devices are used daily.
We employ JAMF—JAMF is a software company that provides device management solutions specifically for Apple devices—MDM (Mobile Device Management) for effective device management to provide uninterrupted flow. JAMF allows Digital Arena to monitor and manage devices remotely so that you are kept secure, updated, and configured for best performance.
JAMF’s role within Digital Arena’s services is integral for creative teams working in high-demand environments because it enables regular updates and automatic configurations to keep devices running smoothly without requiring constant intervention from team members. This system also ensures that any security or compliance requirements are met so as to reduce the potential risks that could disrupt workflow.
Best practice cloud storage:
keeping teams aligned
For creative teams, cloud storage isn’t just about having a place to store files—it’s a way to centralise work and keep everyone aligned. We recommend using Dropbox Business due to its compatibility with macOS, comprehensive security measures, and intuitive on-demand download capabilities.
Key benefits of Dropbox Business:
- Dropbox Business provides seamless workflow solutions to support Creative Client WIP and Archive processes (including volume security permissions across various business teams), replicating traditional File Server and file management processes that creatives are already familiar with—to keep them in their state of flow.
- Build-in file recovery and backup for up to 12 months, without the reliance of third-party solutions. When compared with other cloud providers (with an equivalent disaster recovery period), Dropbox Business delivers at a price point lower than its competitors.
- Dropbox Transfer: Seamlessly and securely transfer large files, folders, or entire projects to third parties without needing additional sites like WeTransfer. With Dropbox Transfer, files are instantly ready for sharing—no waiting for uploads—enabling quick, professional exchanges without compromising security.
- File Requests: Provide third parties with a secure, easy-to-use portal to upload files directly to your Dropbox while ensuring privacy and security. This feature streamlines file collection without compromising data protection.
For creative teams juggling multiple projects, Dropbox offers centralised storage that keeps files accessible and secure. It eliminates the risk of personal storage issues by keeping everything in one place so that you have easy access for team members working both remotely and in-house.
Meeting security standards with ISO27001 compliance
Security is a priority for the business, especially as creative teams often handle sensitive client data.
To address this, Digital Arena adopts ISO27001 compliance, a leading standard in information security management. By maintaining this compliance, we make sure that all data is secure to reduce the risk of breaches or unauthorised access.
For marketing agencies, it is a security focus that translates into peace of mind. In handling sensitive client data, compliance with ISO27001 ensures that Digital Arena’s systems have undergone rigorous checks so that you can have the confidence that your data is protected without compromising on workflow.
Font management for creative teams: using Connect Fonts
Font management can be a significant bottleneck for creative teams. Missing fonts, inconsistent libraries, or slow performance can disrupt the workflow, which is why Digital Arena utilises Extensis Connect Fonts, a cloud-based font management tool that simplifies the way teams access and share fonts.
Benefits of Extensis Connect Fonts:
- Seamless sharing: When one team member updates a font set, the entire team receives the update, ensuring everyone is working with the same resources.
- Centralised font libraries: All fonts are stored in the cloud, accessible to the entire team.
- Auto-activation: Fonts are automatically activated within Adobe applications, reducing manual activation time.
Digital Arena ensures that creative teams can focus on design work rather than managing fonts because we centralise font libraries and automate font activation—the tool is especially valuable for agencies working on multiple brands, where consistent font usage is critical.
Salesforce Service Cloud: supporting seamless IT management
In addition to JAMF and Dropbox, Digital Arena leverages Salesforce Service Cloud for IT management to streamline support requests, asset tracking, and reporting which ultimately helps you stay organised and responsive.
Through Salesforce, Digital Arena provides end-to-end IT management support, from onboarding new staff to tracking device usage and software licensing. It’s an integrated approach that allows Digital Arena to monitor and report on IT efficiency so that you can see the direct impact of your IT investment on productivity and overall workflow.
Key benefits of Salesforce Service Cloud for IT management:
- Centralised support: All support requests are tracked and managed in Salesforce, ensuring that no issue goes unresolved.
- Asset and licence tracking: All hardware and software assets are recorded, reducing the risk of missed renewals or over-purchasing.
- Detailed reporting: Clients have access to a secure portal where they can view their assets, licences, and team configurations, allowing for informed, data-driven decision-making.
By making Salesforce a core part of the stack, Digital Arena ensures that your IT needs are managed proactively so that your team stays in flow with minimal disruptions.
AI integration as part of the success stack
As part of our commitment to efficiency, Digital Arena incorporates AI tools within our Success Stack. While AI’s role in creative industries is still evolving, we use it as a productivity enhancer rather than a replacement for creative work. For instance, we use AI to manage large-scale tasks like product descriptions for eCommerce platforms so that creative teams are free to focus on strategy rather than repetitive tasks.
Example of AI in action:
Automated product copywriting: AI assists in generating product descriptions, reducing the time required from days to minutes. This allows your team to focus on high-impact work, like developing compelling campaigns or refining brand messaging.
By incorporating AI, we keep workflows efficient so that you get to spend less on routine tasks while freeing up resources for creative innovation. This addition to their stack demonstrates Digital Arena’s forward-thinking approach to IT management—this is how AI can support creative teams without overshadowing your expertise.
Making informed, contextual IT decisions
Digital Arena’s approach to IT decisions is rooted in an understanding of our clients’ business contexts. Rather than focusing solely on compliance or the latest trends, Digital Arena considers the practical impact of IT on workflow. We evaluate tools based on their potential to contribute positively to a client’s bottom line, ensuring that each recommendation aligns with the client’s operational goals.
This approach allows our team to make informed decisions that prioritise efficiency, productivity, and budget without unnecessary complexity. For marketing teams aiming to hit specific revenue targets, this strategy keeps technology costs in line with business outcomes so that every IT investment is purposeful and strategic.
Digital Arena’s unique value in the creative space
Digital Arena’s dedication to keeping creative teams in flow sets us apart in the IT services industry. By tailoring our technology stack to the needs of Auckland (and New Zealand) marketing agencies and corporate teams, we create an environment where technology supports—rather than disrupts—the creative process. Tools like JAMF, Dropbox Business, Connect Fonts, Salesforce, and strategic AI integration in the Digital Arena Success Stack provide the support agencies need to work without interruptions.
For creative teams, partnering with Digital Arena means access to an IT partner that understands both the technical and creative demands of your industry. Our commitment is to maintaining consistency, security, and efficiency so that your teams can stay focused, productive, and always in flow.
