The University of the Aftermarket, in partnership with the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), will host a two-day seminar on the implementation and management of aftermarket catalog and product information standards July 16-17 in Troy, Mich.
The program was developed for aftermarket catalog managers and product information professionals who would like to sharpen their knowledge and management of the AAIA Catalog Enhanced Standard (ACES) and Product Information Exchange Standard (PIES).
“Every catalog and product manager in the aftermarket must master the basics of the industry standards—ACES and PIES—even if they employ a service provider or software solution,” says Scott Luckett, chief information officer for AAIA and University of the Aftermarket instructor. “The standards continue to expand and evolve. This comprehensive seminar will lay a solid foundation for implementation, even for veterans of the standards.”
Seminar topics will include:
ACES Topics:
- Understanding the role and value of an aftermarket data standards detailed explanation of the AAIA database structure.
- Getting started with a catalog data management plan.
- Planning and consideration for pillars of Product Information Management (PIM).
- Building the foundation – Brand, Match, ACES, Attributes, exercises and web browsing.
- Understanding the ACES documentation and rules.
- Database examples, mapping exercise and file exchange.
- Working with the Vehicle Configuration Database (VCdb).
PIES Topics:
- Understanding PIES documentation and rules.
- Best practices in digital assets and market copy.
- Working with product attributes.
- Applying the standard to increasing sales.
Participants will receive 1.0 CEUs toward completion of their Automotive Aftermarket Professional (AAP) or Master Automotive Aftermarket Professional (MAAP) designations. Additionally, this course fulfills the “ACES & PIES” training requirement for the Automotive Catalog Professional (ACP) designation.
Instruction for this seminar will make extensive use of web-based content and live data exercises. Attendees are required to bring a laptop, tablet or other wireless Internet-capable device. All materials will be electronic and web exercises will have students taking the first steps towards standards compliance before they leave the seminar. Instruction will be by leaders of the AAIA Technology Standards Committee and principal architects of the industry standards.
Registration is available at the University of the Aftermarket website, www.universityoftheaftermarket.com.
