The global Automotive Aftermarket is projected to reach $589.01 billion by 2030, fuelled by rising vehicle ownership and demand for quality replacement parts. As this market grows, managing accurate and consistent product data has become a significant challenge. Around 70% of industry stakeholders identify data quality—especially fitment accuracy and updates—as a major concern.
APA’s PIM, Product Management Tool (PMT) integrates the Qualifier Database (Qdb) to address these challenges, setting a new standard for efficient and reliable data management. Let’s dive deeper!
What is Qdb?
ACES provides around 60+ parameters to define a vehicle. However, in many cases, this still falls short of describing the specific information that a buyer needs to know before they make a purchase. To cover this gap, ACES allows users 2 options for the seller to add qualifying information to the vehicle information.
- 1. Free text notes
- 2. QDB Codes
Example:
● The notes “with Heavy Duty Package” translates to QDB code 14845 (exact match).
● The notes “with Heavy Duty Package” translates to QDB code 14845 (exact match).
Though free text notes are still being popularly used in the industry, it is highly recommended to use the second option (QDB codes) while providing qualifier information.
Why should we use Qdb?
Qualifier Database (Qdb) helps replace free-form text notes with consistent terminology, reducing redundant notes and inaccurate interpretation of unlimited free text formats. 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. Use of the Qdb generates more accurate, higher quality data.
Challenges in QDB conversion
1. One application-part can have multiple notes attached. The notes need to be separated for purpose of mapping but needs to be integrated back to the application-part at the time of export.
2. Qdb codes can have one or more parameters. Parameters help reduce the number of codes that are needed. However, it also complicates the programming and hence there are not many software available that offer a robust QDB mapping software.
3. Programs need to be able to identify that a new note is similar to an already existent QDB mapping and should be able to automatically map the new notes. For example, in the serial number example above, if the first note is mapped by the user, the second note needs to be auto mapped by the software.
4. After mapping a note, there could still be some residual information that cannot be mapped. While 100% mapping to Qdb is the goal, in reality, there is always some residual note available that does not have a good match with the existing Qdb codes and will need to be left As-Is.
Key Benefits of PMT
APA’s PMT, purpose-built for managing automotive parts, integrates Qdb to deliver unparalleled advantages.
Case Example: A distributor managing a catalog of 500K SKUs with a team of catalog managers, needed to map QDB codes for all their applications. With Qdb-integrated PMT, the process was completed in a fraction of the time required manually, resulting in error-free Qdb mapping.
The Final Words
The Qualifier Database (Qdb) transforms the automotive aftermarket by standardizing terminology and improving data quality through ACES integration. It sharpens communication, reduces errors, and drives smoother workflows. Consider adopting PMT with Qdb integration to stay ahead of the competition and ensure accurate, reliable data across platforms.
To learn more about how Qdb and PIM can help your business