Should the implementation partner be chosen together with the PIM vendor?

Choose the implementation partner together with the PIM vendor, because the partner decides much of the project's cost, timeline and quality. A strong platform with a weak partner delivers a weak implementation.

In PIMvendors selections, partners enter at the demo stage:

1. Ask each shortlisted vendor to name 1 or 2 certified partners for your region and industry.
2. Invite the proposed partner to the scenario-based demos, so the team that will build the system shows its understanding of your data.
3. Request a statement of work per partner, priced on the same scope, with assumptions listed.
4. Check partner references separately from vendor references.
5. Score partners on a scorecard: named team, PIM experience, integration skills, method, governance and commercial terms.

Ask who builds the integrations with ERP and commerce, and who owns them after go-live. Integration is where many projects overrun.

Some vendors implement directly and others work only through partners. Both models work when the delivery team is named, experienced and contracted with a clear scope. The risk lies in choosing the software first and finding a partner afterwards, when the buyer has given up most of its bargaining position.

The implementation partner scorecard on PIM Selection supports this comparison.