aPriori allows you to export part and assembly cost information from one aPriori database and import it into a different aPriori database. The files used for these imports and exports have “.ap” extensions. This data-sharing capability enables manufacturers to collaborate with their suppliers and other third parties, such as consultants, who are supporting their design and sourcing activities. This functionality also allows users in a location with a slow connection to the primary database server to work with a local database to improve performance and then transmit the costed components to the primary database.