Unlock the Power of Accurate Product Data with AutoCare PIES!
In today’s competitive automotive aftermarket, clear, consistent, and standardized product data is essential for success. The AutoCare PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) ensures that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers can efficiently share and manage product data across multiple channels.
With PIES-compliant data, your business can increase product visibility, streamline operations, and reduce costly errors. Whether you’re listing products on ecommerce marketplaces, managing an internal catalog, or integrating with retailers, PIES ensures your data is accurate, complete, and ready for success!
Key Databases Used in PIES and Their Purpose
The PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) relies on several key databases and data structures to standardize product data in the automotive aftermarket industry. These databases serve different purposes, helping manufacturers, distributors, and retailers manage, exchange, and maintain accurate product information.
Product Classification Database (PCdb)
Standardizes product categories to ensure consistency in classification across the industry.
- Assigns Category Codes to parts, helping trading partners organize products efficiently.
- Ensures products appear in the right categories for searches and marketplace listings.
- Helps retailers, marketplaces, and distributors properly classify and group products.
What is PIES Data Standard?
The PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) is an industry-standard format developed by the AutoCare Association to facilitate the efficient exchange of product information in the automotive aftermarket. It provides a structured way to communicate detailed product data between manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and online marketplaces.
PIES ensures that all product-related data—including descriptions, dimensions, pricing, images, branding, marketing materials, and regulatory compliance details—is formatted consistently, reducing errors and improving operational efficiency.
Why Use PIES Data Standard?
- Standardized Data Across the Supply Chain
- Ensures all trading partners (manufacturers, distributors, and retailers) receive consistent and accurate product information.
- Reduces miscommunication and data discrepancies.
- Enhanced Product Accuracy
- Eliminates errors in product descriptions, specifications, and pricing.
- Minimizes costly returns due to incorrect product information.
- Faster Time-to-Market
- Simplifies and speeds up the process of launching new products.
- Ensures quick onboarding for marketplaces, distributors, and retailers.
- Improved Online Visibility & Sales
- Provides rich, detailed, and structured product data optimized for searchability on platforms like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and direct ecommerce sites.
- Ensures customers receive clear and complete product details, leading to higher conversions.
- Compliance with Marketplace & Retailer Requirements
- Many major retailers and marketplaces require PIES-compliant product data for listings.
- Helps businesses meet industry standards and avoid listing rejections or penalties.
- Reduced Operational Costs & Manual Work
- Automates data management to reduce time-consuming manual data entry.
- Streamlines catalog updates across multiple platforms with real-time updates.
- Seamless Integration with ACES (Fitment Data)
- PIES works alongside ACES (Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard) to ensure that not only product details but also vehicle fitment information is accurately communicated.
Brand Table
Provides a standardized list of registered brands and manufacturers within the AutoCare ecosystem.
- Ensures accurate brand identification for consistency across suppliers and retailers.
- Prevents duplication or confusion caused by similar brand names.
- Used for trademark enforcement and brand consistency in product listings.
Product Attribute Database (PAdb)
- Establishes industry-wide standardized product attributes such as material, size, weight, color, voltage, etc.
- Helps retailers and marketplaces filter and compare products easily.
- Improves searchability and discoverability of products online.
Take Control of Your Product Data Today!
Let us help you streamline your AutoCare PIES data management and optimize your automotive catalog for success.
Contact us now to enhance your product listings, improve data accuracy, and drive more sales!
AutoCare’s PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) is essential for structuring and distributing automotive product data efficiently. Below are some of the key PIES data management services that can help manufacturers, distributors, and retailers streamline operations and maximize sales.
1. PIES Data Standardization & Formatting
Ensure all product data complies with AutoCare PIES standards.
Convert raw product information into structured PIES format for easy distribution.
Align product attributes with industry guidelines for better marketplace integration.
2. Product Data Enrichment & Optimization
Enhance product descriptions, features, and benefits to improve customer understanding.
Add detailed images, videos, and technical specifications for a complete product profile.
Optimize product titles and attributes for better SEO and discoverability on ecommerce platforms.
3. PIES Data Validation & Quality Control
Identify and correct inaccurate or missing product information.
Ensure consistency across multiple sales channels (ecommerce sites, B2B catalogs, etc.).
Perform data audits to maintain compliance with industry standards and marketplace requirements.
4. Fitment Integration with ACES
Ensure seamless compatibility between ACES fitment data and PIES product data.
Maintain accurate part-to-vehicle relationships to minimize returns and customer dissatisfaction.
Verify that vehicle fitment data matches product attributes for better customer experience.
5. Marketplace Integration & Data Syndication
Prepare and format PIES data for Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and other online marketplaces.
Convert PIES data to meet the unique requirements of various B2B and B2C platforms.
- Automate data syndication across multiple channels to ensure consistency and accuracy.
6. API & System Integration
- Integrate PIES data with ERP, PIM, and ecommerce systems.
- Enable automated data updates to minimize manual errors and streamline workflow.
- Support real-time data synchronization with inventory management systems.
7. Private Label & Custom Catalog Creation
- Develop custom product catalogs for distributors and retailers.
- Organize data to support branded and white-label solutions.
- Provide localized product information for different markets and regions.
8. Data Maintenance & Ongoing Support
- Continuous updates to reflect product changes, new releases, and discontinued items.
- Ensure compliance with the latest AutoCare PIES guidelines and marketplace policies.
- Provide regular data audits and cleanup services to maintain high-quality standards.
Frequently Asked Question
PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) data management is the process of organizing, standardizing, and maintaining product data according to AutoCare Association’s PIES standards. It ensures that manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have accurate, consistent, and detailed product information for better marketplace visibility and sales.
PIES data is critical for maintaining accurate product listings, ensuring compatibility with industry standards, and enhancing searchability on ecommerce platforms like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart. It also reduces errors, improves customer satisfaction, and minimizes return rates.
PIES covers a wide range of product-specific data, including:
- Product Descriptions (Name, Features, Specifications)
- Pricing Information (MSRP, MAP, Cost, Discounts)
- Digital Assets (Images, Videos, User Manuals)
- Packaging & Shipping Details (Dimensions, Weight, Quantity per Package)
- Hazardous Material Information (Compliance with safety regulations)
- Interchange & Cross-Reference Data (OEM & aftermarket compatibility)
- PIES manages product information (descriptions, pricing, specifications, images, etc.).
- ACES manages fitment data (vehicle compatibility – Year/Make/Model).
While ACES ensures the part fits the right vehicle, PIES provides the product details necessary for marketing and selling the part.
PIES data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in pricing, new product releases, compliance updates, and market trends. Many companies update their data monthly or quarterly, while some marketplaces require real-time updates.
Poor or missing PIES data can result in:
- Low search rankings on ecommerce platforms
- Inaccurate pricing or missing product information
- Increased return rates and lost sales
- Non-compliance with industry and retailer requirements
Accurate PIES data ensures better product discoverability and fewer customer complaints.
PIES relies on several databases, including:
- Product Classification Database (PCdb) – Standardized product categories
- Product Attribute Database (PAdb) – Product-specific attributes (size, color, material, etc.)
- Brand Table – Maintains correct manufacturer and brand information
Yes! By ensuring accurate product descriptions, specifications, and compatibility information, PIES data significantly reduces misordered parts and returns. This leads to better customer satisfaction and fewer costly refunds.