Reseller, access free product data from hundreds of brands.

ACES and PIES 2025: Everything You Need To Know

ACES and PIES: The Backbone of Automotive Aftermarket Data

If you’re in the automotive aftermarket, you’ve likely heard the terms ACES and PIES tossed around. No, they’re not related to playing cards or desserts—they’re the industry standards that make vehicle and parts data easier to manage, track, and exchange.

ACES and PIES don’t function as standalone catalogs for looking up parts. Instead, they structure and standardize data, ensuring that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are all speaking the same language when identifying and selling automotive parts.

Let’s break down what ACES and PIES actually do, why they matter, and how they work together to streamline the aftermarket parts industry.

 

What Are ACES and PIES?

  • ACES (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) ensures that parts fitment data—year, make, model, engine—remains accurate and consistent across platforms.
  • PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) organizes product attributes, like dimensions, weight, UPC codes, and pricing, helping businesses maintain clear, detailed listings.

Together, these standards prevent miscommunication and data mismatches, making it easier for suppliers, distributors, and retailers to sell the right part to the right customer.


ACES (Fitment Data) PIES (Product Data)
Identifies what vehicles a part fits Identifies what the part is
Uses data like year, make, model, and engine Uses data like price, weight, and material
Structured through the VCdb Structured through the PCdb
Helps consumers find compatible parts Helps sellers describe product attributes

 


 

What Is ACES? (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard)

tech standards aces infographic

ACES is all about application fitment—or in simple terms, what parts fit which vehicles.

When a consumer searches for a part, they need to know if it’s compatible with their car. ACES organizes this data using specific criteria such as:

  • Year, make, and model
  • Engine type and transmission
  • Additional fitment details (e.g., drivetrain, trim level, or fuel type)

By standardizing fitment information, ACES eliminates the confusion of inconsistent or vague product descriptions. Instead, everyone in the supply chain—from manufacturers to online retailers—has a clear, universal format for listing vehicle compatibility.

ACES data pulls from the Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb), which requires a paid subscription for full access. This ensures that fitment information remains accurate, up-to-date, and consistent across the industry.


 

What Is PIES? (Product Information Exchange Standard)

tech standards pies infographics

While ACES tells you what a part fits, PIES tells you what the part is.

PIES organizes product-specific details so sellers and buyers can quickly find key product attributes, such as:

  • Part number and brand ID
  • Price and dimensions
  • Weight and material composition
  • UPC codes and hazardous materials info
  • Package details (e.g., kits, multi-box items, etc.)

Where ACES categorizes parts by function, PIES categorizes them by identity. This helps businesses ensure product listings are accurate, detailed, and optimized for both online and in-store sales.

PIES data is structured using the Product Classification Database (PCdb), another subscription-based resource that enhances data accuracy and consistency.


 

Why ACES and PIES Matter for the Automotive Aftermarket

Without ACES and PIES, every business in the aftermarket supply chain would need to create its own unique way of categorizing products. That would lead to data mismatches, missing information, and costly errors when selling and distributing parts.

With ACES and PIES, businesses benefit from:

Standardized Data: A universal format that eliminates confusion.
More Accurate Listings: Consumers get the right part, every time.
Faster Product Updates: Easy integration with eCommerce platforms.
Better Supply Chain Communication: Smooth data exchanges between manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.

These standards aren’t just a recommendation—they’re a necessity for businesses looking to scale their operations and streamline their data management.

Ready to See Your ACES and PIES Data in Action?

Managing ACES and PIES data can be complex, but with PDM’s powerful PIM platform, it doesn’t have to be. Whether you need real-time updates, seamless distribution, or enhanced data accuracy, PDM helps you take control of your automotive product information with ease.

🚀 Book a free demo today and see how PDM can:
Streamline your ACES & PIES management for better efficiency.
Reduce errors and data mismatches to minimize returns.
Automate updates and distribution across marketplaces and resellers.

📅 Don’t just manage your data—maximize it. Click below to schedule your free demo and experience the difference firsthand.

🔗 Book Your Free Demo

Why Standardized Data Matters

Without ACES and PIES, businesses risk:

🚨 Incorrect fitment data → Customers order the wrong part, leading to returns.
🚨 Inconsistent product info → Confusion between suppliers and retailers.
🚨 Lost sales & bad reviews → Frustrated buyers = lost trust.

Example: A supplier using outdated spreadsheets sends incorrect fitment data to a reseller. Customers buy incompatible parts, triggering returns, refunds, and bad reviews—hurting reputation and revenue.


How ACES and PIES Improve Sales & Efficiency

Accurate fitment & product data → Fewer returns, better customer experience.
Faster updates & integrations → Sync data across marketplaces seamlessly.
Stronger supplier-retailer relationships → Everyone works with the same reliable information.

Adopting ACES and PIES isn’t optional—it’s essential for growth in the aftermarket. Standardized data protects your bottom line and ensures customers get exactly what they need.

Ready to optimize your product data? Let’s talk.

Understanding VCdb, PCdb, Qdb, and PAdb: The Building Blocks of Automotive Data Standardization

Managing automotive parts and fitment data requires structured, reliable databases that keep information consistent across the industry. That’s where the Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb), Parts Configuration Database (PCdb), Qualifier Database (Qdb), and Product Attribute Database (PAdb) come in. These databases, managed by the Auto Care Association, form the foundation of ACES and PIES standards, ensuring that vehicle fitment, part specifications, and product details are accurate, standardized, and universally accessible.


What Are VCdb, PCdb, Qdb, and PAdb?

Database Purpose Role in Standardization Impact on the Industry
VCdb (Vehicle Configuration Database) Stores detailed vehicle configuration data, including make, model, year, engine, and transmission. Ensures consistent vehicle classification across platforms. Aids in inventory management, fitment accuracy, and reducing mismatched parts.
PCdb (Parts Configuration Database) Standardizes automotive part details, including part numbers, descriptions, and specifications. Creates a uniform catalog of parts information. Simplifies compatibility checks, inventory tracking, and reduces errors and returns.
Qdb (Qualifier Database) Provides descriptive qualifiers for parts and vehicles, such as trim levels and option packages. Adds granular details to fitment and product listings. Enhances search accuracy, ensuring customers find the exact parts they need.
PAdb (Product Attribute Database) Catalogs detailed product specifications like dimensions, weight, and materials. Standardizes product attribute data for accurate listings. Improves product descriptions, purchasing decisions, and reduces return rates.

How These Databases Improve Automotive Data Management

🚗 VCdb: Standardizing Vehicle Fitment Data

Database webpage VCdb

The Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb) ensures that every vehicle’s configuration data—from make and model to transmission type—is recorded in a structured format.

Why It Matters:
✅ Prevents inconsistent fitment data across catalogs.
✅ Reduces misfits and returns by ensuring correct part-vehicle matching.
✅ Supports accurate inventory tracking and compatibility checks.


🛠️ PCdb: Creating a Universal Parts Standard

Standards webpage_PCdb

The Parts Configuration Database (PCdb) catalogs automotive part details, ensuring every component has a consistent identifier across manufacturers and distributors.

Why It Matters:
✅ Ensures accurate product descriptions across retailers.
✅ Helps suppliers and resellers track inventory and pricing efficiently.
✅ Reduces errors in cross-brand part compatibility.


🎯 Qdb: Adding Precision to Fitment and Searchability

Database webpage Qdb

The Qualifier Database (Qdb) enhances standard vehicle and parts data by adding qualifiers like trim levels, drivetrain options, and special configurations.

Why It Matters:
✅ Helps buyers filter and find parts more easily.
✅ Prevents confusion when parts only fit specific trim levels or packages.
✅ Enhances search accuracy, reducing returns from incorrect purchases.


📦 PAdb: Defining Product Attributes for Better Listings

Database webpage PAdb

The Product Attribute Database (PAdb) standardizes product specifications, such as dimensions, materials, weight, and packaging details.

Why It Matters:
✅ Ensures eCommerce product listings are accurate and informative.
✅ Helps businesses display precise specifications for buyers.
✅ Reduces returns from incorrect or incomplete product descriptions.


🛠️ Brand Database: Ensuring Consistency Across the Aftermarket

Standards webpage_Brand Table

The Auto Care Brand Table is the industry-standard database for managing brand names, codes, and ownership details within ACES and PIES. It ensures that every brand is uniquely identified and standardized across distributors, retailers, and eCommerce platforms—eliminating duplicate listings, mismatched data, and brand confusion.


Why These Databases Are Essential for ACES & PIES Compliance

Without these core databases, managing vehicle fitment and product data would be chaotic. They provide:

Consistent industry-wide classification of vehicles and parts.
Faster data exchange between manufacturers, distributors, and retailers.
Improved customer satisfaction by ensuring accurate product listings.

For any business in the automotive aftermarket, leveraging VCdb, PCdb, Qdb, and PAdb is critical for maintaining accurate, structured, and market-ready data.

Why PDM Is the Ideal PIM for Automotive Aftermarket Businesses

ACES & PIES Compliance: Fully supports industry standards, ensuring your data is always structured, accurate, and compliant.

Custom Field Management: Go beyond ACES & PIES by adding inventory, sourcing, pricing, and customer-specific data with flexible Custom Fields.

Seamless Data Distribution: Automatically sync and distribute your data across resellers, marketplaces, and business partners without manual re-entry.

Faster Product Updates: Easily update product listings, pricing, and fitment data across multiple channels in real-time.

Custom Field Grouping: Manage large-scale data effortlessly with structured, organized fields for easy navigation and updates.

Bulk Data Editing & Automation: Reduce manual work and accelerate product catalog updates with automation tools designed for high-volume businesses.

Improved Fitment Accuracy: Minimize returns and boost customer confidence by ensuring correct part-to-vehicle matching.

Comprehensive Integrations: Connect with eCommerce platforms, ERP systems, and inventory tools for a unified data flow.

Scalable for Growth: Whether you’re managing 100 SKUs or 1 million, PDM adapts to your needs without slowing down performance.

🚀 Stop wrestling with outdated spreadsheets and inefficient workflows. Let PDM handle the complexity—so you can focus on selling more, faster.