If you’re a retailer in the automotive aftermarket sector, then it’s important that you understand ACES fitment data. The use and correct management of large amounts of data are among the most significant problems facing the aftermarket sector. Keeping track of everything by hand when there are thousands of vehicle designs and additional parts and accessories available is near impossible.
One of the main causes is that automobile parts shops often have hundreds of components and accessories in stock for purchase. They also frequently have numerous buyer groups, such as repair shop owners, auto dealers, and individuals wanting to do their own repairs on their cars. Each of these clients will have a distinct set of requirements when it comes to purchasing the auto parts they require.
Fitment data is one of the most crucial elements that sets the vehicle aftermarket apart from all others. With thousands of specific vehicle builds and hundreds of thousands of components and parts, fitting data aids firms in determining which components and accessories fit with which cars. ACES compliance is required for accurate fitment data in order for a catalog’s specifications to be valid.
This article will describe what ACES fitment data is, how it works, and how mismanaging it can negatively impact your business. We’ll also talk about how to manage fitment data in an auto parts catalog.
What Is ACES Fitment Data?
ACES stands for Automotive Commerce Exchange, and it is the standard format for exchanging product data between suppliers and retailers. ACES fitment data is the subset of ACES that describes how a product fits into a vehicle. For example, an ACES fitment record might include the following information: Year, Make, Model, Sub-model, Engine type, Trim level, etc.
The ACES fitment data standard is important because it allows parts suppliers to send a single, standardized product description to retailers. This saves time and reduces the chances of errors caused by data entry mistakes. It also helps retailers by providing a single source of truth for product fitment information.
If you are a retailer in the automotive aftermarket sector, it is essential to manage your ACES fitment data properly. If you do not, you will experience negative consequences such as:
- Incorrect product information is displayed on your website and in your catalogs.
- Missed sales opportunities due to inaccurate or incomplete product information.
- Difficulty fulfilling orders correctly and on time.
- Damage to your company’s reputation due to inaccurate product information.
To manage ACES fitment data properly, you need to understand how it works. The following sections will explain the basics of ACES fitment data.
Why Is Fitment Data Important?
It’s vital to remember that maintaining your Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard (ACES) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) data standards is a never-ending job. Unfortunately, fitment data is short-lived. The Auto Care Association will update its Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb) and Parts Configuration Database (PCdb), adding new vehicle configurations or redefining existing ones approximately once a month. In addition, the introduction of new trading routes with supply chain partners will have an impact on Original Equipment (OE) fitment patterns and continue to explore ways to improve customer satisfaction through product improvements.
When a vehicle is redefined or removed, problems are frequently caused. These components will be flagged as invalid when this happens. And if one of these components piques the interest of a potential client, they won’t be able to find it in the first place. These are known as catalog holes and are a major reason for lost sales. While a motor database is an important business asset, it can only function if the fitting data that supports it is also correct, complete, and up-to-date.
Keeping track of all of these tiny components, their makers, and all of the possible vehicle-component combinations might be quite difficult. Furthermore, maintaining your database will be an ongoing and time-consuming operation that may prevent you from concentrating on other important parts of your company.
Managing ACES Fitment Data
Those with technical know-how and the time to do so may run their ACES/PIES database independently. Aftermarket data suppliers, such as Amazon and eBay Motors, offer compatibility catalogs or charge a fee to access them. However,some have parts that aren’t included in these catalogs. They’ll need to input the pertinent information manually or via a catalog fitment in this situation. There are two main ways to manage ACES fitment data: manually and electronically.
Manual ACES Fitment Data Management
Manual management is when retailers enter ACES fitment data into their catalogs themselves. This can be done in various ways, such as by keying in the data directly, importing it from a supplier’s website, or downloading it as a spreadsheet. The disadvantage of manual management is that it can be time-consuming and error-prone. It also requires staff with knowledge of ACES fitment data standards.
The information stored in the marketplace for a specific part is overridden by the online store’s own fitment data for each component. When there is no aftermarket data available, manual fitment integration is utilized. This happens when custom-made parts and accessories have yet to be added to the catalog. Vehicle components with complete fitments will automatically get all fitting data and matching vehicles assigned to them.
However, there are several drawbacks to this process. First is the potential for human error when data is entered manually. Secondly, it can be difficult to keep track of updates to ACES fitment data as they become available. This can lead to inaccurate product information being displayed on your website and in your catalogs.
Electronic ACES Fitment Data Management
Electronic management is when retailers manage ACES fitment data electronically using software tools. This can be done by importing ACES fitment data into a catalog management system or using a dedicated ACES fitment data management tool. The advantage of electronic management is that it is faster and less error-prone than manual management. It also allows retailers to keep track of updates to ACES fitment data as they become available.
When an aftermarket part does not have an Amazon ASIN number associated with it, the product’s images are uploaded for future use if needed during purchase decisions on other platforms such as Google Base or eBay Motors. In order for all products to have at least one image, “default” images are used when no specific OEM images are found for the product in question.
The main benefits of electronic ACES fitment data management are that it is fast, accurate, and easy to use. It also allows retailers to keep track of updates to ACES fitment data as they become available.
For a retailer’s catalog to be “ACES-compliant,” the following must be true:
- All product identifiers (such as part numbers and manufacturer names) must match those in the ACES/PIES database
- The correct ACES category must be assigned to each product
- Each product must have at least one image associated with it
- Fitting information must conform to ACES standards
If any of these conditions are not met, the retailer’s catalog will not be considered ACES-compliant. This could have a negative impact on the retailer’s business, as ACES is the primary standard used by automotive aftermarket suppliers.
It is important to use an electronic ACES fitment data management tool to ensure that your catalog meets ACES standards. These tools allow you to easily import ACES fitment data into your catalog and verify that it meets all requirements. In addition, they can help you keep track of updates to ACES fitment data as they become available. By using an electronic ACES fitment data management tool, you can be sure that your catalog will meet all of the requirements for the automotive aftermarket industry.
How myFitment Can Help You Manage ACES Fitment Data
myFitment is a dedicated ACES fitment data management tool that can help you manage your catalog’s ACES fitment data. myFitment makes it easy to import ACES fitment data into your catalog and verify that it meets all of the necessary requirements. In addition, myFitment can help you keep track of updates to ACES fitment data as they become available.
If you are looking for a way to ensure that your catalog meets ACES standards, then myFitment is the solution for you. Try myFitment today and see how easy it is to manage ACES fitment data electronically. For more information, contact us today!
