Databases

To speak the same technical language as your trading partners, codified data is a must.

The Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES^®), Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES^TM), and Internet Parts Ordering (IPO^TM) data standards are all supported by multiple relational databases, which contain standardized, codified data.

Learn more about what each database contains.

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Best Practices

Best practices have been developed in several areas to support the data standards. Our guidelines inform, assist and provide recommendations.

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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

How do I download and/or request changes to the Auto Care Data Standards supporting relational databases (VCdb, Qdb, PCdb, PAdb, Brand Table)?

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.

Where can I find documentation and sample data for Auto Care Association Data Standards?

All Auto Care Association Data Standards documentation and sample data can be found in the Auto Care Digital Hub here.

Do I need a subscription to use the ACES® and PIES™ data standards?

Yes. The ACES^® and PIES™ data standards utilize multiple supporting relational databases (VCdb, Qdb, PCdb, PAdb, Brand Table) in order to be used which are subscription based.

To create and/or receive ACES^® xml files, one must subscribe to one of the VCdb packages. Subscribing to the VCdb provides access to the Qdb and PCdb. All three databases are required to create and/or receive ACES^® xml files.

To create and/or receive PIES™ xml files, one must subscribe to the PAdb. Subscribing to the PAdb provides access to the PCdb. Both of these database are required to create and/or receive PIES™ xml files.

See our subscriptions page for more pricing and more details!

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