An efficient content management system (CMS) is a CMS that allows users to collaborate, create, edit, store, and publish content on a website and other digital mediums without the hassles of knowing codes and programming languages. Everything is done through the user interface, which is one of the key components of a CMS. But this is just one part. A modern and efficient CMS has many components that are building blocks that work together to make a solid CMS. Let’s take a look at the various components of a CMS.
Main Components of a CMS
The following can be classified as the two main components in the CMS architecture overview as each serves a specific purpose in the functioning of a CMS:
Content Management Application (CMA)
As the name implies, this component deals with the management of content. So, when one talks about creating, editing, storing, or removing content, it is all done through the CMA. All the actions are in-built and you can execute them through the application interface without having the need to input any kind of codes or programming commands.
Content Delivery Application (CDA)
Once the content is created and stored with the CMA, the CDA is used to display, distribute, and publish the content onto the relevant digital platforms.
Both components work together inside a CMS and can be classified as the two main components of the system. However, there are many subcomponents that work with the CMA and CDA that are important features of a CMS system.
Subcomponents of a CMS
- Database – The database is where all the content in the CMS is stored. This stored content is present in the server and can be accessed through the database application. The application is the interface through which anyone working on the content gets access. Once done, the reworked content media is stored on the server through the same application. The database has to organize, retrieve, and store various forms of content like documents, images, videos, blogs, and other forms of multimedia files. Therefore, they play an important role in the efficiency of a CMS.
- Workflow Schemes – The various tasks that are executed in the CMS like content creation, editing, publishing, etc. have a set workflow that needs to be followed like a set of instructions. The workflow brings order to the execution of a task, and the workflow scheme interlinks all the workflows with tasks and issues. Workflows cannot function without the workflow schemes linking them.
- User Interface – The user interface is the medium through which the users interact with the CMS and execute tasks given in the workflow. The interface allows you to access the hardware, software, and content through a control panel that is displayed to the user. This is one of the most important component features of a CMS system that allows users to work.
- Editorial Tools – Editorial tools are all the tools you use to create, collaborate, edit, and modify content in the CMS. All the editorial tools are accessed through the user interface and are used by the users to complete their tasks assigned in the workflow.
- Output Utilities – This component is responsible for providing all the tools that are used for publishing the content. Different CMSs have different publishing tools, but they all come through output utilities.
Additional Components of a CMS
Modern CMSs have additional features that also become key components of a CMS.
SEO Tools
Today search methods have evolved beyond the search engine. There are voice and image searches as well. Apart from optimization for the search engine, these tools also optimize for other types of searches. So, the content created in the CMS is SEO-optimized.
Analytics
Analytics tools in the CMS throw up important data that the content creators, marketers, and sales teams can use to modify and upgrade content, marketing, sales, and branding strategies. Analytics tools provide excellent insight into content performance and help organizations make better content.
Roles & Permission
The administrator of the CMS can assign roles and permissions to the users accessing the CMS. The administrator will define different roles, and these roles have different levels of permissions and access to the content and tools.
Asset Management
All the content created by the CMS becomes your organization’s digital assets. These assets have to be managed and protected. CMSs now also have asset management features and tools for your digital assets.
Component Qualities to Look for in a CMS
- Security – CMS must have cybersecurity and a firewall, and should be protected from offline vulnerabilities as well. The CMS should have all the modern security features and more, to ensure the security of the organization and its users’ data. Users should also be given training and security protocols to follow.
- Integration & Customization – Your CMS should be able to integrate with other third-party APIs and plugins that will enhance your content management and creation capabilities. You should also be able to create customized content that maintains your organization’s branding standards.
- Scalability – Organizations have to adopt a CMS with their own growth in mind. Therefore, start with an advanced CMS that will keep pace with your organization’s content creation and management needs. Custom-built CMSs can also be created with scalability features.
Component Content Management System (CCMS)
Most content management systems work at the document level, whereas a CCMS works at the component level. All components in the CMS architecture overview can be independently controlled and monitored because the component is self-sustained and modular. This independence also results in better tracking in the workflow and increased collaboration in the CCMS.
All the tasks expected in a CMS are executed even better in the CCMS, including content reuse. The centralized content management is boosted, integration and customizations are bolstered, content and design formats are streamlined, and multi-channel publishing is enhanced. It is faster, more collaborative, and has improved searching capabilities for users. A component-based CMS is simply better.
To know more about a CCMS and other key components of a CMS, collaborate with Tru Performance as your integration partner. We will guide you in the right direction and even help you with the integration of a comprehensive CMS into your current systems. You will never have to depend on others for customized content creation. Reach out today!
Rushikesh Darkunde
Digital Engineering Team Lead
A seasoned Digital Engineering professional with extensive expertise in leading web development projects, managing full-stack development teams, and ensuring exceptional QA/QC standards for websites. Renowned for driving high-performing, user-focused web solutions while fostering innovation and collaboration within teams.
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