Aftermarket Insider Issue 76 - (Page 15)

The name game T EC H N o L o G Y U P DAT E What’s in a Name? Sometimes Multiple Functions Changes Coming to Parts Classification Database The product looks the same, the packaging is the same and all of the performance and physical attributes of the product remain the same. In other words, the terminology name one would use in a PIES (Product Information Exchange Standard) file is different from the one or more labels that would be expected in an ACES catalog data file. Since both methods of describing a product must coexist in the Product Classification database (PCdb), a new coded table called “Use” will help designate those application-specific part terminologies that are only to be used in an ACES file and their multipurpose, generic counterparts that are only to be used in sending product information in a PIES file. Fortunately, most part types only perform one job and are only referred to by a single name. But, for those products that perform multiple functions in the aftermarket, our industry standard has evolved to provide a precise way of managing this content. For more information about ACES and PIES visit the Technology pages at www.aftermarket.org/technology. What is this part? Is it a tapered roller bearing or is it an inner wheel bearing? The answer, for these, and many other types of replacement parts is… yes. The way we refer to these items varies depending on the context. Both the generic product description and the more specific application label apply to the same physical item. Changes have recently been approved for the industrystandard parts classification database (PCdb) which will address the need to differentiate these multifunction products based on the kind of information you wish to send about them. Multifunction products are those where a single physical item – a relay, a bearing, a miniature lamp and many others – can be used in more than one way on a vehicle, or across many vehicles. For example, the relay pictured above could be a window relay on a Ford and an A/C cut-off relay on a Chevrolet. When using the industry standard to send electronic catalog information for this product, you must specify the terminology that describes how and where the part is used on a car or truck because that is And, how about this little item… is it a relay or a wiper motor relay or an A/C compressor cut-off relay? multifunction products are those where a single physical item – a relay, a bearing, a miniature lamp and many others – can be used in more than one way on a vehicle, or across many vehicles. how the part professional or customer is going to perform the search. In other words, the search is performed based on the application of the product. The terminology should describe what the product does. But, when that maker of that same relay sends product information to the retailer or distributor of the product, they must refer to the product by a single label that describes what it always is – a “relay.” The attributes of the product do not change based on how or where it is used on a vehicle. AFTERMARKET INSIDER | VOLUME 76 | 15 http://www.aftermarket.org/technology

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Aftermarket Insider Issue 76

Aftermarket Insider Issue 76
Contents
President’s Message
Market Intelligence
Campaign Update
Member Profile
Toolbox
Technology Update
Green Highlight
Government Affairs
Association News
Hot Dates

Aftermarket Insider Issue 76