Qualifier database (Qdb)

The Qualifier database (Qdb) is a fully normalized, relational database, that is used in conjunction with Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES^®).

The Qdb helps to standardize fitment terminologies and expressions, also known as Qualifiers, used in catalog and web lookup's which require a vehicle or equipment lookup to navigate a correct product(s).

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Qdb qualifiers replace free-form text notes with consistent terminologies and expressions, in a coded manner, reducing redundant notes and inaccurate interpretation of unlimited free text formats. Qdb qualifiers replace free-form text notes with consistent terminologies and expressions, in a coded manner, reducing redundant notes and inaccurate interpretation of unlimited free text formats.

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qualifiers

The use of the Qdb streamlines communication making it easier to parse data into catalogs and increases the search-ability of data. Users can apply validation to Qdb data increasing reliability over free-form text which cannot be validated in scalable ways.

Why use the Qdb?Why use the Qdb?

Increased speed to market. Using coded qualifiers from the Qdb enables trading partners to load content faster, promoting faster speeds to market and increased sales.
Faster selection of the correct part at the counter. With standardized coded qualifiers, catalogs are easier to understand and navigate by both end consumers and store sales associates. This means finding the correct products the first time, reducing returns.
More sophisticated data management opportunities. Coded qualifiers enable simplified data mapping between different sources. Different sources may include OE data and VIO (vehicles in operation) data. Increased mapping accuracy promotes better product management decisions.
Centralized language translation. Utilization of coded qualifiers will facilitate a centralized translation effort.

Qualifiers not covered by a vehicle attribute will be contained in the Qdb. In general, only individual qualifiers are stored in the table. You can create compound expressions by joining multiple entries from this table. A placeholder (i.e. parameter) will replace variable data found in a qualifier. This mechanism greatly reduces the number of qualifiers stored in the table.

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Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES)

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The Qualifier database (Qdb) documentation found below is the latest version of the database documentation. This version, and all versions, are designed and maintained by the industry, for the industry, through industry workgroups and the guidance of the Technology Standards Committee (TSC).

Documentation includes:

Data Rules and Policies
ER Diagram

Note: Our documentation is available to the public. To view and download documentation, please sign-in with your autocare.org login information to the Auto Care Digital Hub. If you do not have a login, please create an account.

There are multiple ways to get involved in the development and management of the Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES^® ) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES™) data standards, as well as their supporting relational databases.

Auto Care Vehicle Information Portal (VIP)

This platform allows users to both manage and download the Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES^® ) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES™ ) supporting relational databases. This includes submitting change requests to the current databases to modify existing records, remove and/or add new records.

Additionally, the platform allows users to access different events related to the data standards, including workgroups, trainings, webinars and conferences.

Access to the VIP site does require users to create an account. To create an account, please visit autocarevip.com and follow the instructions on the landing page.

Access to the VIP site does not require a paid subscription. However, access to certain products within the VIP site will require an active paid subscription.

ACES^® and PIES^TM eLearning

Education and Networking

The Automotive Content Professionals Network (ACPN), a community of the Auto Care Association, is a professional network with 400+ individual members employed in the automotive industry. It is the only community devoted exclusively to the education and professional development needs of the automotive content management professional.

ACPN serves as the leader in content management and related activities; promotes industry technology standards; and provides a forum for discussing and promoting best practices within the automotive industry all of which will culminate in their annual Knowledge Exchange conference.

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The Qualifier database (Qdb) and all other ACES^® and PIES^TM data standards supporting relational databases, can be managed and downloaded through the Auto Care Vehicle Information Portal (VIP).

The VIP platform allows users to view the contents of the Qdb, submit changes to existing records, request new records, as well as download the published database.

Publication Cycle (New Database Content Updates):

Monthly (Manual Downloads - JSON, Access 2007, SQLServer2008 R2)
Daily (API - JSON)

Release Notes: Click here

The Qualifier database (Qdb) requires an annual paid subscription.

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 autocare.org account. Click here to create an account.

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Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently 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?

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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