How Partly Data Works

Partly’s data research philosophy

Partly works with multiple data sources (Manufacturer supplied; Researched and community submitted) to ensure we are always working with the most accurate and up-to-date data source. Manufacturer direct data is usually very accurate, but in practice, it's not always the most accurate. Working with OE data and the millions of fitters who are using the products day in and day out, has proven to be the most accurate source. Partly also have a large research team that builds the Partly Catalogue based on:

Most data is based on Partly's internal OEM research. The data for over 40 vehicle OEMs is standardised, normalised and included in the foundational OEM data. While this process is extremely labour intensive, we use a number of algorithms to automate where we can. The benefit is a common language for parts, fitment, and interchanges used across OEM and aftermarket parts.

Partly data modules and data ownership.

Vehicle data or Partly’s Universal Vehicle Database (UVDB)

UVDB is the Partly vehicle standard containing 150,000 vehicle definitions. Vehicle definitions are detailed descriptions of a vehicle including make, model, body code/chassis number, etc

Data Ownership:

Partly own and manage vehicle data, with each vehicle defined by a proprietary UDEF identifier. Vehicle data is independently researched and maintained by our internal data research team. This ensures that vehicles represented in the database are up-to-date and specific to the car parc (regional vehicles) for each supported region.  Partly considers Community-driven recommendations when making changes to UVDB. Vehicle releases are moderated by the community via Partly moderators.

Parts data or the Partly Catalogue (Global Auto Parts Catalogue / GAPC)

GAPC is an open parts fitment catalogue containing over 45 million aftermarket, OES and OEM parts. Each catalogue part in GAPC contains a part number, part-type, position, cross-reference part numbers, attributes, brand, and links with UVDB vehicles.

Data Ownership: Non-fitment Parts data:

Images, descriptions, titles, prices, and stock levels supplied to Partly via customers are always owned by the customer and can’t be shared, unless explicitly requested for distribution purposes (e.g, Parts manufacturer ensuring brand consistency throughout distribution network)

Data Ownership:  Parts vehicle fitment data (Parts Catalogue):

Parts vehicle fitment data or Catalogue data, has different rules depending on who owns it. There are three basic sources for parts data.

  1. Part Manufacturer submitted: This data is owned by the manufacturer and shared with Partly. The manufacturer has full control over who this data is shared with, across all aspects of the data including cross-references and fitment. No other customer has access to this data unless the manufacturer explicitly shares it. Partly have the option to use the data for anonymised or aggregated market research purposes.
  2. Community Submitted: This data is owned by Partly, but can be changed or removed by the community. This data typically comes from fitters, specific vehicle specialists, or resellers.
  3. Partly Researched: This data is owned by Partly.

Partly tools to facilitate data

The Partly data standard is designed to support the data flow from manufacturers to resellers and retailers as well as connect them with key online sales channels such as marketplaces and other areas of e-commerce. To access cross-references, fitments, or existing researched data you can use the following tools.

PartsPal - Parts Catalogue Management SoftwarePartsPal is cloud-based software used by auto parts sellers to centralise and manage their parts catalogue. This is used to sell parts, with fitment, on marketplaces as well as their own website. Customers can use PartsPal as a standalone tool (supply and manage their own part fitment data) or use it to access Partly Parts Catalogue Data (GAPC)

Partly API - Fitment Data API

The Partly API is a modern and scalable solution for businesses in the parts industry to communicate and share data in a standardised data “language”. It is a scalable backend as a service, for flexible ecommerce solutions.

Partly’s customer data policy

  1. Partly DOES NOT permit any customer specific data to be shared, unless explicitly agreed to be shared for distribution purposes. Partly DOES analyse customer data internally for our own research purposes.
  2. Partly DOES NOT permit customers to cross reference part fitment data using a specific brand numbers or cross references supplied by other customers. We DO permit cross-referencing via OE numbers or G-Codes which Partly has researched, and is an Industry standard.
  3. Partly DOES permit customers to access part fitment data on products/brand they sell directly, using Partly’s Global Auto Parts catalogue. (e.g, Partly doesn’t ask a manufacturer for the part fitment data twice, or multiple customers for the same manufacturer data). This policy only applies to parts fitment data explicitly shared by the customer for distribution purposes, community submitted data or Partly researched data. Partly DOES NOT permit customers to access manufacturer supplied fitment data, where the manufacturer has chosen to restrict access.
  4. Partly DOES NOT restrict what products/Brands our customers sell using Partly tools. We DO permit a customer adding and managing their own part fitment data and DO NOT require our customers to use Partly or manufacturer supplied Parts fitment data. (e.g. they can use our tools to manage Part fitment data manually.
  5. Partly DOES take a hard line against counterfeit parts and will work with manufacturers to identify and stop this practice. If you are aware of, or suspect counterfeit parts being sold please contact info@partly.com
  6. Partly DOES collaborate with customers and the industry on non-fitment part attributes. Part types, categories, part attributes, and translations are largely community driven. New options are suggested, reviewed and merged into the standard on a weekly basis.