Batch Processing Automotive Data: Scale Your ACES/PIES Conversions

When managing large automotive parts catalogs, converting files one at a time simply isn't practical. CatalogBridge's batch processing capabilities enable you to convert hundreds of CSV and Excel files to ACES/PIES XML format simultaneously, saving hours of manual work and ensuring consistent results across your entire catalog.

Understanding Batch Processing

Batch processing allows you to upload and convert multiple files in a single operation. This approach offers several advantages:

• Time Efficiency: Process 100 files as easily as 1
• Consistency: Apply the same validation rules across all files
• Error Management: Handle errors systematically
• Resource Optimization: Leverage parallel processing
• Progress Tracking: Monitor conversion status in real-time

Getting Started with Batch Upload

File Preparation

Before initiating a batch upload, organize your files effectively:

Supported Upload Methods:

1. Multiple File Selection: Select up to 100 individual files
2. ZIP Archive: Compress files into a single ZIP (max 500MB)
3. Folder Structure: Maintain logical organization within ZIP files

File Naming Best Practices:

✓ Good naming examples:
  - brake-pads-2025-ford.csv
  - suspension-parts-chevrolet.xlsx
  - engine-components-dodge-ram.csv

✗ Avoid:
  - data.csv
  - file(1).xlsx
  - Copy of parts list.csv

Initiating Batch Processing

Here's how to start a batch conversion:

1. Navigate to the Batch Upload section
2. Select your files or upload a ZIP archive
3. Configure processing options:
   • Validation strictness level
   • Error handling preferences
   • Output format preferences
4. Review the file list and total parts count
5. Start the batch process

Advanced Batch Processing Features

Parallel Processing

CatalogBridge processes multiple files concurrently:

Processing Configuration:
- Concurrent file limit: 5 files
- Parts per second: ~1,000
- Average file completion: 30-60 seconds
- Real-time progress updates via WebSocket

Smart Queue Management

Our intelligent queue system ensures optimal performance:

• Priority Processing: Smaller files process first
• Resource Allocation: Dynamic worker assignment
• Failure Isolation: Individual file failures don't affect the batch
• Automatic Retry: Failed files retry up to 3 times

Progress Monitoring

Track your batch conversion in real-time:

// WebSocket connection for progress updates
const ws = new WebSocket('wss://api.catalogbridge.com/batch-progress');

ws.onmessage = (event) => {
  const progress = JSON.parse(event.data);
  console.log(`Files completed: ${progress.completed}/${progress.total}`);
  console.log(`Current file: ${progress.currentFile}`);
  console.log(`Overall progress: ${progress.percentage}%`);
};

Handling Large-Scale Conversions

Case Study: 50,000 Parts Catalog Migration

A major automotive distributor needed to convert their entire catalog:

Challenge:

• 487 CSV files
• 50,000+ unique parts
• Multiple brands and categories
• Varying data quality

Solution:

1. Pre-processing: Standardized file formats
2. Chunking: Split into 5 batches of ~100 files
3. Validation: Ran preliminary validation checks
4. Processing: Completed in under 4 hours
5. Review: Systematic error resolution

Results:

• 98.5% successful conversion rate
• 750 validation issues identified and resolved
• Consistent ACES/PIES output across all files

Performance Optimization Tips

1. File Size Management

Optimal file sizes for batch processing:
- Individual files: 1-10MB
- Total batch size: Under 200MB
- Parts per file: 500-5,000
- ZIP compression: Use standard compression

2. Data Consistency

Ensure consistency across files:

• Standardize column headers
• Use consistent date formats
• Maintain uniform brand naming
• Apply consistent part numbering schemes

3. Error Prevention

Reduce processing errors:

• Validate data before upload
• Remove duplicate entries
• Fix encoding issues (UTF-8 recommended)
• Ensure complete vehicle application data

Error Handling and Recovery

Common Batch Processing Errors

1. File Format Issues

• Error: "Unable to parse file headers"
• Solution: Ensure first row contains column headers
• Prevention: Use our header template

2. Data Validation Failures

• Error: "Invalid vehicle application data"
• Solution: Review vehicle year ranges and model names
• Prevention: Pre-validate using our checking tool

3. Memory Limitations

• Error: "File too large for processing"
• Solution: Split large files into smaller chunks
• Prevention: Keep individual files under 10MB

Error Recovery Workflow

When errors occur during batch processing:

1. Error Notification: Receive detailed error report
2. Issue Identification: Review specific problems
3. Bulk Correction: Use our correction tools
4. Reprocessing: Re-run only failed files
5. Verification: Confirm successful completion

API Integration for Batch Processing

Automate batch processing with our API:

// Submit batch job
const batchJob = await fetch('https://api.catalogbridge.com/v2/batch', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer YOUR_API_KEY',
    'Content-Type': 'application/json'
  },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    files: [
      { url: 'https://your-server.com/files/parts1.csv' },
      { url: 'https://your-server.com/files/parts2.csv' }
    ],
    options: {
      validationLevel: 'strict',
      outputFormat: ['aces', 'pies'],
      notificationWebhook: 'https://your-server.com/webhook'
    }
  })
});

// Monitor progress
const status = await fetch(`https://api.catalogbridge.com/v2/batch/${jobId}/status`);

Webhook Notifications

Configure webhooks for batch events:

{
  "event": "batch.completed",
  "jobId": "batch_123456",
  "status": "success",
  "summary": {
    "totalFiles": 100,
    "successfulFiles": 98,
    "failedFiles": 2,
    "totalParts": 25000,
    "processingTime": "3h 24m"
  },
  "downloadUrl": "https://api.catalogbridge.com/v2/batch/123456/download"
}

Best Practices for Batch Processing

1. Pre-Processing Checklist

• [ ] Standardize file formats
• [ ] Validate column headers
• [ ] Check for encoding issues
• [ ] Remove empty rows
• [ ] Verify file sizes

2. Processing Strategy

• Start with a small test batch
• Monitor the first few files closely
• Adjust settings based on results
• Scale up gradually

3. Post-Processing Workflow

• Download all results
• Review conversion summary
• Address any errors
• Validate output files
• Archive original files

Advanced Features

Custom Processing Rules

Define custom rules for your batch jobs:

{
  "customRules": {
    "brandMapping": {
      "OldBrandName": "NewBrandName"
    },
    "categoryDefaults": {
      "unknownCategory": "General Parts"
    },
    "validationOverrides": {
      "allowMissingPrices": true,
      "requireImages": false
    }
  }
}

Scheduled Batch Processing

Set up recurring batch jobs:

• Daily catalog updates
• Weekly inventory syncs
• Monthly full catalog rebuilds

Conclusion

Batch processing transforms the way you handle automotive parts data conversion. Instead of processing files individually, you can convert entire catalogs efficiently while maintaining data quality and consistency. CatalogBridge's batch processing capabilities scale with your business, whether you're converting 10 files or 1,000.

Ready to scale your ACES/PIES conversions? Start your free trial and experience the power of batch processing. For enterprise volumes, contact our team for custom solutions tailored to your specific needs.