OPTICAT-CATALOG

SEMA centralised aftermarket OptiCat catalog.

Definition

OptiCat services: Catalog Hosting (ACES XML, PIES XML), Catalog Validation (ACES/PIES schema compliance), Catalog Distribution (push ASD/SDS standardized format to retailers), CataDamn (data quality assessments), Item Master (Brand+PartNumber lookup), SEMA Specialty Industry Data. Membership: ~$2000-10000/year manufacturers, free retailers. Adoption: ~70% of aftermarket manufacturers use OptiCat for publication. Competitor: DCi (Distribution Channel Inc.), MOTOR Information Systems.

Origin

OptiCat launched by SEMA 2004 ; service expansion 2010s ; deeper integration with Auto Care Association ACES/PIES 2018+.

Example in context

Edelbrock (performance parts) publishes its 8000-SKU catalog via OptiCat ; ASD format auto-distributed to Summit Racing, JEGS, Pep Boys retailers in sub-24h after publication ; ~80% direct distribution effort reduction.

Related terms

• ACES — distributed standard.