Short answer
A combined PIM and DAM selection defines the asset-to-product relationship first, then scores two shortlists, one for PIM and one for DAM, against one shared data model and one set of joint scenarios. PIMvendors runs it as a single project with one requirements set, one integration discovery and one business case covering both systems.
Why select PIM and DAM together
A combined PIM and DAM selection treats product data and product assets as one product content supply chain, which is how channels consume them.
DAMSelection assessment: DAM and PIM form one content supply chain, so select them with one shared data model. Three overlaps make a joint selection worth the effort.
- Shared data: product identifiers, variants and classifications appear in both systems.
- Shared workflows: a product launch or a packaging change touches attributes and assets at once.
- Shared integration: the link between the two systems is one design, built once.
The guide DAM vs PIM explains how the two systems divide product content.
One data model before any demo
The combined PIM and DAM selection fixes the shared data model before any vendor sees a script.
| Element | System of record | Decision to take |
|---|---|---|
| Product identifier | PIM | Which identifier the DAM stores on each asset |
| Asset identifier | DAM | Whether the PIM stores DAM IDs or delivery URLs |
| Asset-to-product link | Decided per project | Which system creates and owns the link |
| Asset role | DAM | Roles such as packshot, lifestyle, packaging artwork, video |
| Shared classification | PIM | Whether the DAM reuses the product taxonomy |
| Channel renditions | DAM | Which renditions each channel receives |
| Rights and expiry | DAM | What happens to product listings when an image licence expires |
| Locale | Both | Which languages and markets each field supports |
The asset-to-product link decides most integration cost, so the team settles its ownership first. The PIM glossary entry covers the terms used.
Joint scenarios
A combined PIM and DAM selection uses joint scenarios that test both systems and their integration in one session.
- Product shoot onboarding: link 50 product images to SKUs from the PIM export and generate marketplace renditions.
- Attribute change: a PIM attribute change triggers an artwork review task in the DAM.
- Rights expiry: an expired licence removes the image from every channel feed that carries the product.
- Market launch: a new market receives localised attributes and localised assets on the same date.
- Variant imagery: colour variants pick up the correct images without manual linking.
Each scenario follows the scripted DAM demo scenarios method, extended with PIM steps.
How the combined selection runs
PIMvendors runs a combined selection in six phases, with one team and one steering group.
- Shared discovery: audit product data and assets together, with one stakeholder map.
- Data model and integration pattern: settle the elements in the data model table and draft the integration flow.
- Two longlists: filter PIM and DAM vendors on requirements and on integration depth from the PIM and DAM Fit Map.
- Demos: each system demonstrates its own scripts, then candidate pairs run the joint scenarios.
- Scoring: score both shortlists with the DAMSelection scoring model, plus a score for each candidate pair's integration.
- Business case and contracts: one business case, with contract timing planned so both projects start in the right order.
Deliverables
The combined PIM and DAM selection produces one set of shared deliverables and one set per system.
| Deliverable | Shared or per system |
|---|---|
| Content and product data audit | Shared |
| Shared data model and integration pattern | Shared |
| Prioritised requirements | Per system, with shared integration requirements |
| Scripted scenarios and asset sample | Per system, plus joint scenarios |
| Scored shortlists | Per system |
| Integration score per candidate pair | Shared |
| Business case | Shared |
Combined or separate: how to decide
The choice between a combined selection and two separate projects depends on which systems are open and how stable the current PIM is.
| Situation | Recommended route |
|---|---|
| PIM and DAM both up for selection in the same budget cycle | Combined selection |
| PIM in place and stable, DAM open | DAM shortlist sprint with PIM integration as a must-have |
| DAM in place, PIM open | PIM selection with the DAM link as a must-have |
| One vendor offers both PIM and DAM | Combined selection, scoring each capability separately |
A single vendor for both systems still needs separate scores. DAMSelection assessment: a suite that excels at PIM can be average at DAM, and the reverse.
Risks a combined selection removes
A combined PIM and DAM selection removes four risks that appear when the projects run apart.
- Product images stored twice, in the PIM and in the DAM, with no rule for which copy is current
- Identifiers that do not match between the systems
- Integration requirements discovered after both contracts are signed
- Two vendors and two implementation partners each pointing at the other when the link fails
The overview of DAM integrations and the integration fit pages show which connectors exist today.
Frequently asked
Should we choose PIM or DAM first?
Choose neither first: define the shared data model, then select both. If only one selection can run now, start with the system whose current version blocks the business most, and make the link to the other system a must-have requirement. The asset-to-product link should never be left for later.
Can one platform do PIM and DAM?
Several vendors sell both PIM and DAM capabilities, either in one product or as linked modules. A combined selection scores each capability separately against the same scenarios, so a strong PIM cannot hide a weak DAM. The PIM and DAM Fit Map shows documented connectors between separate products.
How long does a combined PIM and DAM selection take?
A combined PIM and DAM selection takes longer than the six-week DAM shortlist sprint, because two longlists and the integration between candidate pairs are tested. PIMvendors agrees the timeline in the written scope after the scoping call, based on the number of scenarios, markets and vendors.
Which system should own product images?
The DAM owns the image files, renditions and rights. The PIM owns the product data and usually references the asset by ID or delivery URL. The project decides which system creates the asset-to-product link, and that decision drives most of the integration design.
What is the PIM and DAM Fit Map?
The PIM and DAM Fit Map is a DAMSelection tool that shows the documented integration depth between major PIM platforms and the 30 tracked DAM vendors. Levels run from a native connector to a custom build. Each cell links to its source, and empty cells mean no evidence was found.