Industry Analysis and Information Sources

Industry information can also be found in the following sources:

• IBISWorld: the best source for detailed industry data and market research reports
• ABI/Inform Collection: browse for reports
• Business Source Complete: select Industry Profiles on the right side of the page
• Key Business Ratios
• Industry Studies Working Papers
• Statista: use the Industries tab, then click on Industry Forecasts or Industry Reports
• Standard & Poor's Industry Surveys (print). Sturgis Library Reference Collection (HC106.6 .S74)
• US Census Bureau

NAICS Codes

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS, pronounced "nakes") is a system for organizing data on industries and companies for standardized reporting. NAICS was implemented in 1997 and was developed by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The system assigns different numerical codes to companies based on the type of products or services the company provides. Organizations with similar products or services are grouped together. NAICS was designed to for statistical purposes, but also makes business research and reporting easier. You can find more information about NAICS on the Census Bureau's NAICS FAQs.

You can look up the current NAICS codes on the Census Bureau website.