Three Integration Approaches
PIM and DAM systems can be integrated using three main technical approaches:
- Vendor-Native Connectors: Pre-built integrations (e.g., Akeneo ↔ Bynder)
- Middleware Platforms: Azure Logic Apps, AWS Step Functions, iPaaS solutions
- Custom API Integration: Direct REST/GraphQL integration between systems
CDN Reference Strategy
Best practice: Store CDN URLs in PIM, not asset files. This approach:
- Eliminates file duplication
- Maintains single source of truth in DAM
- Enables dynamic transformations (resizing, format conversion)
- Reduces PIM storage requirements
Example URL: https://cdn.example.com/assets/{asset-id}?w=800&h=600&f=webp
Data Flow Patterns
PIM → DAM
- Product creation triggers asset folder creation
- Product metadata updates asset tags
- Product lifecycle affects asset availability
DAM → PIM
- Asset uploads trigger product notifications
- Asset approval updates product readiness
- CDN URLs update product references
Technical Considerations
Built-in vs. External DAM
Some PIMs include DAM functionality:
- Pimcore: Integrated PIM+DAM in one platform
- Inriver: Built-in asset management with CDN
- Akeneo: Basic asset storage, external DAM recommended for complex needs
API Requirements
- Webhook support for real-time updates
- Bulk operations for mass asset linking
- Metadata synchronization capabilities
- Error handling and retry mechanisms
