PIM and DAM Fit Map

How it works

The PIM and DAM Fit Map is a grid of 30 DAM vendor rows and 7 PIM columns, 210 pairs in total, filled only from checked evidence.

1. The columns are the PIM platforms Akeneo, Salsify, Stibo STEP, Syndigo, inRiver, Bluestone PIM and Syncforce.
2. Each row is a DAM vendor from the DAMSelection directory, linked to its profile.
3. A verified cell shows the depth level as a number. The number links to the source, and the hover text gives the evidence label.
4. A pair without evidence shows Not verified. Where the DAM vendor and the PIM are the same platform, the cell reads Same platform.
5. The filter box hides every row that does not match the typed vendor name.

Evidence comes from vendor documentation, connector marketplaces and PIMvendors project evidence. Each cell records its source URL and the date DAMSelection verified it.

The four depth levels

The PIM and DAM Fit Map uses four depth levels that describe who built an integration and who maintains it.

Level 1 needs explicit evidence, such as documentation that states no connector exists. DAMSelection never assigns level 1 to fill a gap.

Cells publish only with a source

The PIM and DAM Fit Map publishes a depth level only when a source URL backs it, and an empty cell reads Not verified.

Not verified records an absence of evidence and carries no claim that an integration is missing. A connector may exist in a private partner portal or a customer project DAMSelection has not seen. Vendors who hold evidence can submit it through the corrections process.

The same rule keeps the map neutral. No vendor pays for a cell, and every number traces to a document anyone can open.

Why integration depth matters

PIM integration depth decides how much manual work remains in product content after go-live.

DAMSelection assessment: DAM and PIM form one product content supply chain, so select them with one shared data model. A native connector moves approved renditions to product records and keeps the link when an asset changes. A documented API pattern leaves that job to your integration team, with build and run costs every year.

The DAM vs PIM guide explains which data a PIM owns and which data the DAM owns. The DAM integrations guide covers the other connections that decide value.

Worked example

The PIM and DAM Fit Map has no input form, so the worked example reads the grid for one buyer.

Worked example: a manufacturer runs Akeneo and leaves the DAM Shortlist Engine with five vendors.

1. Type the first vendor name in the filter box and read the Akeneo column.
2. Suppose the cell shows 3. Hover for the evidence label, then click the number to open the source.
3. Record the level, the connector owner and the verification date in the shortlist sheet.
4. Repeat for the other four vendors.
5. Count every pair at level 2 or 1, or Not verified, as an integration build in the TCO Calculator.

Suppose the result reads two vendors at level 4, one at level 3, one at level 2 and one Not verified. The TCO Calculator then models two integration builds. The demo script asks all five vendors to run the scenario "Pull assets through the API".

How to use the result

The PIM and DAM Fit Map serves Checkpoint 4, Shortlist, as a filter and Checkpoint 5, Test, as a list of claims to prove.

• Open the integration page for your PIM, such as Akeneo DAM integration or Salsify DAM integration, for the evidence table.
• Feed the build count into the Five-year TCO Calculator.
• Add "Onboard a product shoot" and "Pull assets through the API" from the Demo Script Generator.
• Plan the end-to-end test with DAM integration testing once the contract is signed.

Limitations

The PIM and DAM Fit Map records availability and maintenance, and four limits apply.

• A level says who built and maintains an integration. Data flow, update behaviour and error handling need a test in the demo.
• Connectors differ in scope. One may push renditions one way, another may sync metadata both ways.
• Connector versions change. Check the verification date and confirm the current version with both vendors.
• The map covers 7 PIM platforms. Buyers with another PIM check vendor documentation and the other DAM selection tools.