If you're involved in the automotive aftermarket, you've likely encountered the terms ACES and PIES. These technical standards provide a standardized system for organizing and categorizing information about automotive parts, making it easier for buyers and sellers to find and compare products. Here's a closer look at what ACES and PIES are and how they can benefit your business.
What is ACES?
ACES stands for Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard, and it's a way of categorizing automotive parts based on their application data. This includes information about fitment for specific vehicles, such as the year, make, model, and part type. ACES helps you understand which vehicles a particular part is compatible with. ACES data is divided into two databases requiring a paid subscription.
What is PIES?
PIES stands for Product Information Exchange Standard, and it's a way of categorizing parts based on their product information. This includes details such as the product number, price, dimensions, hazardous materials information, weight, brand ID, and other characteristics of the product itself. PIES helps you identify and understand the attributes of a product rather than its function in a vehicle. There are a number of PIES databases available, including the PCdb (Product Classification Database), which is free to use.
What's the difference between ACES and PIES?
ACES is focused on fitment and compatibility with specific vehicles, while PIES is focused on the product itself and its characteristics. Together, ACES and PIES provide a complete picture of information about automotive parts, allowing users to find and compare parts more easily.
For example, a buyer can use ACES data to identify parts that will work for a specific vehicle and then use PIES data to compare pricing or manufacturer information. On the other hand, a seller can use PIES data to understand product pricing and trends and then expand their product listing to include compatible vehicle information using ACES.
How can ACES and PIES benefit your business?
ACES and PIES provide a standardized system for organizing and categorizing information about automotive parts, making it easier for buyers and sellers to find and compare products. This can help improve the efficiency of your business by streamlining the process of finding and purchasing aftermarket parts.
One tool that can help you build and maintain catalog information in ACES and PIES standards is the DPI DataManager. This software allows you to easily create and update product listings, ensuring that your catalog is accurate and up-to-date. The DPI DataManager also provides a variety of features to help you manage and organize your catalogs, such as the ability to create custom categories and attributes and the option to import and export data. Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, the DPI DataManager can help you efficiently manage your catalog in the ACES and PIES standards.
In summary, ACES and PIES are technical standards that provide a standardized system for organizing and categorizing information about automotive parts. Familiarizing yourself with these standards and using tools like the DPI DataManager can help improve the efficiency of your business by streamlining the process of finding and purchasing aftermarket parts.
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