ACES XML File Errors: Common Causes and How to Fix Them

Automotive companies leverage data from parts to match the right car part to the correct vehicle. ACES data is an important component of this data by linking auto parts to the vehicle they are designed to fit. An ACES XML file with errors can cause several issues, including errors when validating, updating, and submitting the data.

These mistakes may be caused by several reasons: wrong vehicle applications, missing information, outdated reference data, or errors in the structure of the XML file.

The silver lining? While there are a lot of ACES XML errors, you can find and fix most of them with a straightforward method. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most common ACES XML file errors and how they can be fixed and avoided.

What Is an ACES XML File?

ACES stands for Aftermarket Catalog Exchange Standard. It is a standard used in the automotive aftermarket to exchange vehicle application and parts fitment information.

An ACES XML file contains information that connects a product to the vehicles it fits. This helps manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and eCommerce businesses manage automotive fitment data in a consistent format.

However, creating an XML file is not enough. The file must follow the applicable ACES requirements, use valid reference data, and contain accurate vehicle applications.

7 Common ACES XML Errors and How to Fix Them

1. Invalid XML Structure

One common problem is an XML file that does not follow the required structure. Missing closing tags, incorrect nesting, or unexpected characters can cause validation to fail.

How to fix it: Check the XML structure and validate the file against the appropriate schema. Correct the reported errors and validate the file again before submission.

2. Missing or Incorrect Part Numbers

Part numbers help identify individual products in an automotive catalog. If a part number is missing, incorrect, or linked to the wrong product, the data may become difficult to manage or match correctly.

How to fix it: Compare the part numbers in the ACES file with the manufacturer’s product master file. Correct any mismatches and make sure each product is linked to the intended record.

3. Incorrect Vehicle Application Data

Vehicle application errors can occur when a part is linked to the wrong year, make, model, or other required vehicle details. These mistakes can cause customers to see incorrect compatibility information.

How to fix it: Review the vehicle applications for each part. Verify the information against reliable source data and the applicable ACES reference data before updating the file.

4. Incorrect Brand Information

Brand information is an important part of automotive catalog management. Incorrect brand identifiers or missing required brand information can cause problems during validation or data processing.

How to fix it: Check the brand information against the applicable ACES requirements and the receiving system’s rules. Make sure the required identifiers and header information are correct.

5. Duplicate or Conflicting Fitment Records

Duplicate records can make automotive catalogs harder to maintain. Conflicting vehicle applications may also create uncertainty about which vehicles a product actually fits.

How to fix it: Review duplicate records and compare them with the original fitment data. Remove unintended duplicates and correct conflicting applications. Do not remove a record simply because it looks similar to another one; confirm that it is actually incorrect.

6. Outdated Reference Data

Automotive reference data and ACES requirements can change over time. Using an older reference data version may cause validation problems when a file is checked against newer requirements.

How to fix it: Confirm which ACES version and reference data are required for your project. Update the relevant data and validate the file using the appropriate requirements before submission.

7. XML Encoding and Formatting Problems

Special characters, incorrect encoding, or unexpected formatting can prevent a system from reading an XML file properly. These issues may occur when data is exported from spreadsheets or converted between different systems.

How to fix it: Check the file encoding, XML declaration, and formatting requirements. Review the file after export and use an XML validation tool to identify structural problems.

How to Prevent ACES XML Errors

Fixing errors is important, but preventing them can save time and reduce repeated work. Automotive businesses can follow these practices to maintain better data quality:

• Maintain clean product data: Keep part numbers, brand details, and product records organized.
• Verify vehicle applications: Review fitment information before adding it to an ACES file.
• Use current reference data: Confirm the applicable ACES version and reference data requirements.
• Validate before submission: Check the XML structure and correct reported errors before sending the file to another system.
• Review source data regularly: Update product and fitment information when changes are confirmed.

A consistent data management process helps businesses reduce errors and maintain more reliable automotive catalogs.

How PCFitment Can Help With ACES Data

Handling of automotive fitment information can become a headache when your business manages thousands of parts, dozens of product lines, or updates its catalog frequently.

Whether you’re new to ACES and PIES data, need our fitment service, or prepare your automotive catalog data, PCFitment knows how to prepare, convert, and load data for any platform. Which solution is best for your inventory and marketplace depends on the state of your data, part count, and platform requirements.

If you are uploading a new catalog or editing fitment records, consider this a chance to check your source data and double check the file you are uploading.

ACES Data Compliance Contact PCFitment to discuss your catalog requirements if your company calls for assistance in creating or maintaining ACES data.

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