BETHESDA, MD — An important new release was recently distributed for the Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) that includes industry requested extensions and an “express” format for product data exchange, according to AAIA.

PIES 4.2 includes extensions of the standard specifically requested by the Heavy Duty eXchange (HDx) and CARQUEST to meet the data exchange requirements of these industry groups. By working closely with aftermarket groups and responding to their needs, AAIA helps ensure that the PIES specification remains an industry standard. Product attribute data exchange is challenging and costly for heavy-duty, as well as automotive distributors and suppliers. PIES can help lower costs by serving as the industry standard template and best practice guide for a wide variety of product information attributes.

With the release of version 4.2, AAIA also released PIES Express – a “lighter” version of the standard that supports the most commonly exchanged attributes in an Excel spreadsheet format. This alternative to the full-featured XML specification allows companies that are not yet comfortable with XML technology to begin exchanging product information in the industry standard format.

“The association’s technology standards committee responded quickly to the extensions requested by HDx and CARQUEST and we appreciate their continued support of the standard,” said Scott Luckett, AAIA vice president, technology standards and solutions. “PIES is the first step towards full product data synchronization. It’s important that we all stay on the same page to get the maximum benefit from open standards.”

To download the specification and learn more about aftermarket technology standards, visit the “eCommerce” section at www.aftermarket.org.

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