Data Standards
The single most effective way to communicate with your trading partners.
Get the right part, to the right place, at the right time using data standards to speak the same technical language as your customers.
Cast your net wider and further with data standards. Are you supporting all you should be?
We drive the industry forward by providing data standards for your business, helping companies globally to communicate, effectively and consistently, between trading partners around the world.
.tmb-thumb160.png?sfvrsn=9e63b3fc_1 "Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES)")
.tmb-thumb160.png?sfvrsn=913d409b_1 "Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES)")
.tmb-thumb160.png?sfvrsn=6f756b94_1 "Internet Parts Ordering (IPO)")
Subscribers around the globe
use our data standards to communicate, effectively and consistently, information between their trading partners.
Doing business in the Americas requires the use of the ACES and PIES data standards
By utilizing the Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES)* and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES)*, as well as best practices, it allows for companies to be more efficient in communicating information for their products that is critical to do business. This is accomplished by utilizing a standardized communication method that is machine-readable (XML) by all trading partners. By using the ACES and PIES data standards, it:
- Removes duplicated communication and distribution efforts
- Saves time and money
- Lowers supply chain costs
- Increases product introduction and speed to market
- Contributes to increased sales, operational efficiencies, and reduced returns
*While the ACES and PIES data standards are free, they both utilize multiple relational databases that contain standardized, codified data (aka reference data), some of which require an annual paid subscription.
Take a look at our other standards
Internet Parts Ordering (IPO) is the aftermarket industry data standard for the messages and information flow required to locate product, inquire about product availability and order products online.
Learn More
iShop is a set of computer interface standards that allow vehicle service equipment, management software, and inspection servers to communicate seamlessly in the service shop environment.
Learn More
The Super Spec data standard is an industry-specific definition of the EDI requirements needed to connect distributors and retailers with their manufacturers and suppliers in the aftermarket.
Best Practices
Best practices have been developed in several areas to support the data standards. Our guidelines inform, assist and provide recommendations.
How the Data Standards are Managed
The utilization of data standards and best practices allows the auto care industry to pool resources and leverage economies of scale. By pooling resources through the Auto Care Association, the data is more accessible and affordable to each industry player. This pooled research effort provides an economy of scale for all subscribers to the Auto Care Association’s data standards and keeps the data used by the industry under management of a non-profit, non-partisan entity.
The Auto Care Association manages the data standards and best practices under the guidance of the Technology Standards Committee (TSC). The TSC committee is comprised of volunteer leaders employed by Auto Care Association member companies. They are tasked with providing input and guidance to the Auto Care Association, and act as an industry sounding board. The TSC sets the direction and approves changes to the data standards managed by the Auto Care Association.
Testimonials
I’m an engineer. I love to solve problems. Through the Technology Standards Committee, we’ve been able to work on common problems across our trading partners and the customers that we serve to improve our delivery of goods and services.
Doug Wiggin,
Director, Software Architecture Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance
Frequently Asked Questions
The auto industry Data Standards, developed by the Auto Care Association specifically for the auto care industry, can increase the speed, efficiency and accuracy of critical data transfers, lowering the operating costs for all business partners.
Here are a few data standards Auto Care provides:
- Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES)
- Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES)
- Internet Parts Ordering (IPO)
- Integrated Shop Standard (iShop)
- SuperSpec
Learn more about these standards here.
Users can do all of this by logging* into autocarevip.com. The VIP platform allows users to view the contents of the databases (VCdb, Qdb, PCdb, PAdb, Brand Table), submit changes to existing records, request new records, as well as download the published database.
All change requests are reviewed by the Auto Care Association technology team prior to approving the request. If you need help while in autocarevip.com, navigate to the “Contact Us” button within autocarevip.com.
*Note: Access to the VIP site does not require a paid active subscription. However, access to certain products within the site will require an active paid subscription. To access the VIP site, users are required to create an account. To create an account, please visit Autocarevip.com and follow the instructions on the landing page.