If you work in the automotive industry, chances are you’ve heard of ACES and PIES. But what’s the difference between the two? Well, they’re both terms that explain the basic aftermarket data formats used within the auto industry.
To understand a bit more about what that means, continue reading the content below.
ACES and PIES: What Is ACES?
ACES stands for Aftermarket Catalog Sharing Standard. It’s a standard for the auto aftermarket sector used to handle and exchange info for automotive catalog apps. By using industry-standard automotive software, manufacturers are able to submit and receive product details.
It consists of elements such as the make, year, model, piece styles, and other qualifiers.
Basically, the ACES model data standard requires part information in the form of a name, part number, and part category. Those details specify the vehicles, the vehicle characteristics, and the specific area that the parts fit into on the vehicles.
There are two categories of ACES, which include:
Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb)
There are nearly 60,000 variations of year/make/model automobiles from the USA, Canada, and Mexico included in this database. These can be dated back to as early as 1896 for US trucks and cars.
The details for Canada and Mexico date back to 1942 and 1961. The oldest versions in the VCdb are from 1920 for Powersports automobiles. This index is updated and managed by the Auto Care Association about once a month.
Parts Configuration Database (PCdb)
A list of all product forms and groups is also included in the ACES model, which is the PCdb. This covers repair parts, support products, and other related products that are typically sold in the aftermarket industry. Using this site makes it easy to assemble the car catalog for suppliers, dealers, and retailers.
On the contrary, car owners should use this website to analyze the parts they require for their cars. There would be fewer errors and comprehension differences in terms of each particular product if the items listed in the digital catalog are accurately categorized.
ACES and PIES: What Is PIES?
PIES is referred to as the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES). It’s used to handle and share data on component numbers. It’s utilized as a way of handling and sharing stock data on vehicle components and different equipment in the industry.
PIES comprises over 20,000 varieties of items and over 180 different components of electronic records, which are sectioned into 25 groups. Much like ACES, the ACA also publishes and preserves PIES.
However, PIES privacy specifications do not require the use of a paid subscription. But there are several other datasets that operate alongside the PIES data, which are only accessible by a subscription.
All variables used in PIES are obtained from North America’s leading manufacturers and retail distributors. It assists other warehouses, stores, management solutions, and end-users. A broad range of product attributes and other details are found among PIES XML files by users via product prices, weight, sizes, kits, brand IDs, countries of origin, UPC codes, marketing material, etc.
ACES vs PIES: How Do They Correlate?
ACES and PIES cover numerous facets of the aftermarket automotive industry, so there’s no surprise that using them simultaneously helps to push production forward. For instance, when the ACES data is referenced by a store owner or warehouse manager, they will decide if a specific part will suit a certain car. If it does, the consumer will then consult the PIES data to decide if that part fits all of their requirements.
Basically, by using both ACES and PIES much of the speculation that goes into ordering pieces is avoided. However, this only happens if the software parameters and records are handled and maintained properly.
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What’s Not Included With ACES and PIES?
Because of the effectiveness of ACES and PIES, there are many misunderstandings on what these tools actually achieve. It was explained by the Auto Care Association that neither the ACES nor PIES software tools used within the industry are for researching products. Not only that, but they’re not for fitment data.
ACES and PIES are not supposed to include any OEM replacement or function as an industry-wide database. The VCdb consists of the vehicle’s ID, but won’t offer any OEM part numbers with fitment info regarding the components of the car.
Although vendors and receivers may use both ACES and PIES to retain their application and inventory records, this data does not include any real fitment or inventory specifics. The specifications for ACES and PIES are just coded values used by collaborators to communicate product and vehicle information.
It’s done so by exchanging the details using XML distribution files. However, the ACES guidelines convert the coded values into real text and are inside of the electronic catalog. This also suggests that it is not possible to use the two industry guidelines as a reference to research VIN numbers.
The ACES and PIES Importance in the Auto Industry
As you can see, there is a big difference between ACES and PIES, but the two work hand-in-hand. However, understanding how each one operates is essential to selling more automotive parts.
Hopefully, the information above explained it well enough for you to comprehend how to use them properly in the future.
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