What is Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES)

Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES) is a data format used to share automotive product information between manufacturers and distributors. It standardizes fields like part numbers, attributes, and pricing to make product data easier to send, receive, and manage across systems.

A brief history

PIES came out of the auto industry’s need to clean up how product data was shared. Before that, it was a mess of spreadsheets, emails, and custom formats.

The Auto Care Association introduced PIES to get everyone on the same page, and it stuck.

Today, it’s the default way manufacturers and distributors share product info quickly and consistently.

Good to know

PIES gets updated regularly by the Auto Care Association, so using an old version can cause more problems than it solves. Make sure you’re working with the latest template to keep things smooth and compliant.

Know more

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of data goes into a PIES file?

Things like product titles, part numbers, dimensions, materials, pricing, images, and availability. It’s designed to cover all the essentials needed to list and sell a product across automotive channels.

How do I create a PIES file?

You can build one manually using the spec template from the Auto Care Association, but it’s much easier (and faster) with a PIM or data syndication tool that supports PIES exports.

Do I have to use PIES if I sell automotive parts?

If you work with distributors or retailers that require it, then yes. PIES is widely adopted in the auto industry, so using it can make onboarding faster and your product data more reliable.

Can I customize a PIES file?

Sort of. The format is standardized, but some partners may ask for extra fields or tweaks. It’s best to check their specific requirements before submitting your file.