The advantages of digital asset management systems in diplomatic missions

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One of the functions of diplomatic missions, particularly consulates and embassies, is to issue visas, passports, and other travel documents. With most countries having hundreds of diplomatic outposts all over the world, the ability to store, index, and retrieve digital media in a timely, and secure, manner is imperative.

Digital asset management (DAM) is a proposed solution for the media asset storage needs of diplomatic missions. DAM systems are designed to facilitate storage, cataloging, indexing, retrieval, and distribution of digital assets. Some examples of digital assets are documents, photos, videos, and audio clips---any form of media that has been converted into electronic form. DAM systems are often utilized in diplomatic missions for administrative and management tasks because of the following advantages:

Security

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Diplomatic missions handle documents that require the utmost in protection in security. DAM systems have multiple protections in place to prevent file loss or misuse. One example is Cox & Kings Global Services, a specialist business outsourcing agency, which utilizes a DAM system that involves electronically scanning documents and adding identifiers for quick retrieval, while ensuring security in storage and data transfer through an administrative rights management model.

Easy access to files

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DAM systems hosted on the Cloud can be accessed from the Web anywhere and anytime. On the other hand, assets stored in on-premise DAM systems with local servers can only be accessed onsite, but these systems provide greater security and protection than those hosted solely on the Cloud. Hybrid DAM systems, or using Cloud systems for some asset management purposes and on-premise for others, wherein data are stored on-site but can be distributed through the Cloud, are a viable option for some diplomatic missions.

Reduced costs

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As opposed to hiring an in-house asset management team, purchasing multiple types of software, paying for licenses, and constructing and manning a data storage silo, outsourcing asset management to trusted third party providers help lower costs while ensuring that a diplomatic mission's needs are met.

In addition, DAM systems ensure speedy delivery of documents for a positive end user experience.

With more than 300 diplomatic outposts in 177 countries, the United States stands to benefit from a widespread implementation of DAM systems as a storage, retrieval, and distribution method for diplomatic missions.

Like this CKGS Facebook page for discussions on DAM systems and their benefits.

Cox and Kings Global Services USA LLC.

Since the beginning of the year, you’ve done all your planning for your trip to India and have made all the necessary sacrifices just to ensure that your travel plans see fruition. You have also saved up for the vacation – putting in extra hours at work and avoiding the biggest sales events even though you really wanted that new Ludlow suit. You have everything you need for your travel. Right?

If you’re going to India for an official business trip, or for some well-deserved rest and recreation, then a trip to a nearby Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) Application Centers is a must to apply for an Indian Visa. It should be noted that the Embassy of India and its consulates in the U.S. do not recognize other agencies for visa applications.

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For some individuals, personally applying for a visa poses no trouble at all for they live a short distance away from the application center. Going to the center may also be worthwhile as you can ask for clarifications regarding the application process, use the photo booth for the required ID pictures, and print or photocopy the documents you need to submit with your application.

However, commuting to the center could also mean additional costs and a few hours off your time. Thus, if you don’t have a lot of time to spare or if you’re simply looking for a more efficient way to handle you visa application then you can rely on the courier service offered by CKGS through FedEx.

The $30 fee that you have to pay for the service is minimal compared to the costs you’ll incur when you travel the center, which includes gas, toll, and parking fees. The courier service comes with the assurance that you will get the visa and passport back in seven working days from the date that your application lands in the CKGS office in New York granted that the documents you’ve submitted are all in order as mandated on the website. The granting of the visa, however, remains as the prerogative of the Indian consulate.

Outsourcing non-core functions for improved service delivery

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In today’s economy, focusing on an organization’s core competencies remains as a solid strategy in allowing the business to grow and thrive. However, it can prove difficult when the firm’s leaders and key personnel are bogged down by non-critical assets and functions.

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To better focus on the organization’s core activities, managers should let go of the belief that they have to do everything in-house. Important yet minor tasks in the overall scheme of the company can be left in the hands of people or another company that specializes in those areas.

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Fortunately, business process outsourcing companies have begun offering a broader scope of services to convince more organizations to outsource their non-core functions. Technology and other innovations have also been advancing at a quick pace that it may be detrimental for organizations to invest for the sake of keeping up with the changes, especially in the parts of their operations that are not vital to maintaining competitive advantage.

Seeking external help for important but non-critical aspects of the business process allows companies to focus on their core competencies, bring new and better services and products to the market faster, and provide more value to key stakeholders.

Cox and Kings Global Services is a specialist BPO company that provides administrative support for non-judgmental tasks of diplomatic missions, thus allowing them to focus on key aspects of adjudication. For more information about business process outsourcing, visit this Google+ page.

From application processing and beyond: An outsourcing agency that covers all bases

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Outsourcing is the process of obtaining services or goods from an external supplier. It has been used as a management tool by businesses from various industries since the Industrial Revolution. In embassies and consulates, its functions are similar: outsourcing allows diplomatic services to gain access to technology and expertise from outside the public sector, streamlining processes and making them more efficient and effective and improving management and control, all in a cost-effective way.

Outsourcing consular and administrative diplomatic services also translate to better service for customers. Third-party service providers and delivery partners have the experience, skills, and technology to effectively handle applications management, documents processing, tracking, and disseminating information. This leads to a simplified application process, quick reviews, and timely returns of approved documents.

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Cox & Kings Global Services (CKGS) is a fine example of a specialist outsourcing agency that focuses on providing services to embassies and consulates. Embassies and consulates around the world have CKGS as their delivery partner, with the agency taking over administrative, operational, and data management tasks throughout the entire life cycle of a visa, passport, or consular application.

CKGS prides itself on always being at the forefront of technology. It's capable of providing biometrics solutions to make the application process easier and to fulfill customer demand for more convenient ways to apply for visas, passports, and other diplomatic services while ensuring maximum privacy and security for the diplomatic office

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For more detailed information on the services that Cox & Kings Global Services provides, visit its official website.

Apply For Your International Visa: Cox & Kings Global Services Shows You How

Many nations require international travelers to secure a travel visa prior to entering the country. If you are unfamiliar with the process of obtaining a visa, here are the necessary steps.

Research the visa protocols for your destination. Acquiring a visa isn’t something that can be done at the last minute; give yourself at least one month to fill out all of the documents, conduct the necessary interviews and to process your application before booking your flight. You can begin by visiting the U.S. State Department website and reading the requirements of the country to which you plan to travel.

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Check the nation’s consulate or embassy website. Some nations only require a visa for visits that exceed a certain length of time. You will also likely need your passport prior to the visa application process. Moreover, you might be instructed to submit your application via an appointed outsourced delivery partner. For example, if you choose to travel to India, you will be directed to Cox & Kings Global Services, which is the official service provider in the United States for Indian Visa and Indian citizenship renunciation support.


Visit the nation’s embassy. If the nation to which you plan to travel has a consulate or embassy in your area, you could visit the offices in person to apply for your visa. You will need to bring your valid United States passport, at least one other form of identification, a method of payment for the processing fees, the dates you plan to travel, the method by which you can be contacted during your travel and an appropriate photograph that can be pasted to the necessary documents. If the nation uses a service provider – such as Cox & Kings Global Services – make sure you book an appointment directly with their offices at least a few days before submitting your application.

Submit your application. This can be done either by post, by physically bringing the application to the appropriate offices or – if it is offered – online. Cox & Kings Global Services offer online document submission for visa applications, but this service is not universally available.

In order to avoid major inconveniences with your visa, it is crucial that you begin your application process well before your intended departure. If you plan on visiting India from the United States, you can check the Cox & Kings Global Services website for more information.