NAICS and SIC codes help classify and measure industry activity. Knowing the code for your industry will help you find reports, articles, and other information on that industry. The NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) is gradually replacing the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.
Even though the codes are standardized, different resources will assign codes differently. Additionally, many companies can have multiple codes because of their various business segments. Be flexible and cautious when using codes to search, and always check multiple sources.
Note: Sometimes there isn't a perfect or obvious code. If you have questions, please contact the business librarian.
Industry reports, available in databases, print resources, and websites, contain valuable analysis of an industry's operating conditions, driving forces, competitive landscapes, and more.
Be aware that many do not cover smaller niche industries and always check the date to see how current the information is.
Supplement these reports with information found in newspapers and trade publications.
To look up codes by keyword, use the following sites.
If you already have a company but don't know what code(s) are associated with it, try the following databases.
If you only have the SIC code but the resource you are using only provides NAICS codes, you might want to try and convert your SIC code to the NAICS code. You can use the following documents to help.
Another set of codes, the Global Industry Classification Standard, or GICS, was developed by Standard & Poors. The GICS classifcations were designed to "respond to the global financial community's need for accurate, complete and standard industry definition" and consist of 10 sectors, 24 industry groups, 67 industries, and 157 sub-industries.
Many databases offer alert services. Look for any button or link that says alerts or save search or something similar. Most databases will first require you to sign up for a free account.
For further information about setting up alerts, RSS feeds, and other ways to get up-to-date company news more quickly, refer to the following guide.
