Library Guides: Finding Business Information Online: Industry Analysis

SIC/NAICS

Knowing the 4-digit SIC and 6-digit NAICS code for your industry will help you find information. The U.S. Bureau of the Census has a website that will help you identify the best number for your business. If you need to convert SIC to NAICS or vice versa, the bureau provides a concordance.

Researching an Industry

Standard & Poor's NetAdvantage
The Industry Surveys (look for the tab) have detailed profiles of 55 industries. Includes information on trends, statistics, market share, regulatory environment, and R&D to name a few. Briefer reports on 115+ sub-industries are also available at the same link. Pay special attention to the "Industry References" section for trade groups, consulting firms, and others related to the industry.
Date Coverage: Current

Maximum Users: Unlimited
IBISWorld
Provides reports for all of the industries in the United States as categorized by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). It also includes reports on industries in Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, and the U.K.
Research reports contain trends, statistics and analysis on market size, market share of competitors, and industry growth rates. Performance analysis includes emerging industry trends as well as recent production performance and 5 year forecasts. Each comprehensive study also examines details such as; the barriers to entry, operating cost structure (industry averages), technology & systems, and domestic & international markets. Tables and statistics include: Industry revenue, exports, imports, wages, and number of companies in the industry.
Maximum Users: Unlimited
Tutorial: http://proxy.mul.missouri.edu/login?url=https://clients1.ibisworld.com/about/us/videos/

Trade associations collect information on their industry. Sometimes they will provide free data, but other times you may have to contact the association directly to see what they have. Check out the website and look for links labeled "Research," "Media," or "Statistics." You can find trade groups listed in the two sources listed above and also use the Encyclopedia of Associations kept at the Reference Desk.

Trade journals can provide valuable data for the entrepreneur. Trade associations often publish them and may provide access via their website. You'll also find trade magazines listed in the "Industry References" section of Industry Surveys (NetAdvantage). Use the "Journal Finder" tab at our homepage, http://library.missouri.edu, to see if the Libraries provide access.