Evaluating media software can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know what you need. That's why we've put together this simple guide that includes key features to look for.

Media Planning

With the right tools, a skilled media planner can be even more effective. A media planning and buying platform should automate manual tasks and handle all media types. Templates are also a plus. When they are stored in the system, there’s no need for manual entry, saving valuable manhours. These features help eliminate mistakes by having to manually enter and calculate everything. 
 
The ability to create flowcharts for internal and client presentations can also save time. Look for customization options to accommodate your needs. 
 
After media plans are approved, the next step is creating orders and billing records. Doing this manually can be extremely time consuming. A media platform that lets you quickly and easily create orders directly from your media plan is essential. Eliminating manual creation of orders not only saves time, it reduces the risk of costly billing errors.

 Electronic Communications

Seamless communication is a very important media platform feature. Look for paperless billing and accounts payable approval. The ability to electronically deliver orders and communications such as broadcast traffic instructions to vendors is essential. A system that includes electronic RFP and makegood processes a vital for broadcast teams. Most importantly, all activity and history, including documents, should be automatically tracked and stored.

Media Order Management

One of your priorities should be making order management as easy as possible. Quick access to details, status and all financial information is essential. A system that can display and overall view of order details according to a variety of criteria – multiple media types, clients at once – provides a full picture without having to jump from screen to screen. Buyers should also have the ability to track order status and make multiple changes from a single place.

Reconciliation

The first step of reconciliation is vendor invoice entry, a time-consuming task when done manually. That’s why A/P import is a key feature to look for when evaluating media platforms. Integrated vendor invoice matching and payment modules streamline the process. Spot matching with variable settings and re-allocation of digital impressions are two examples of automation features that can make your team’s life easier.

A good platform should also simplify digital media campaign management. In addition to getting a real-time view of plan to actual results, your team should be able to easily actualize plans and quickly roll forward balances.

Reporting

Your team needs access to everything they need to generate helpful media management reports. Standard reports for media estimates, media order current status, and media reconciliation reports are essential. The ability to create custom reports from a variety of data is also an important feature.

The Advantage agency management system is an all-in-one solution purpose-built for agencies and creative teams of all sizes.

We’ve been exclusively focused on helping our clients maximize productivity, efficiency and profitability for over 40 years, with almost a thousand agencies counting on us to help run their media, accounting and project management operations.

With Advantage you get a team of US-based agency veterans supporting you every step of the way.  

Find out how Advantage can help you by contacting us for a complimentary demo or discussion about your unique needs.