Please explore the links below for research guides on various business-related subjects.
When researching competitors it is very important to understand and use industry codes.
This is because industry codes group competitors operating in the same line of business. These codes define industries broadly and narrowly using a hierarchical numbering scheme in most cases. This U.S. guide to the NAICS 2022 codes provides examples.
Note that practically all company databases allow you to search for companies by applying one or more system of industry codes, e.g., NAICS (North American Industrial Classification System) or SIC (Standard Industrial Classification).
Please consult our Industry Codes guide for more information.