In 2026, Business Analyst will transition to emphasizing using NAICS codes as a replacement for the legacy SIC code system. NAICS and SIC codes are used in our business point of interest (POI) provided by Data Axle. This impacts Esri Business Summary dataset variables and several Business Analyst workflows.
With the SIC codes transition, SIC codes will continue to be available as a Data Axle POI data attribute. However, SIC-based business summaries will be discontinued, and Business Analyst workflows will transition to only using NAICS codes.
Understanding SIC and NAICS codes
SIC, or Standard Industrial Classification, codes are the US government’s business classification system originally designed in the 1930’s. The SIC system was last updated by the US government in 1987 and was replaced by the NAICS system in 1997. SIC codes organize business by 4-digit codes organized into 11 major business sectors.
NAICS, or North American Industry Classification System, codes are consistent by design between the US, Canada, and Mexico. It is updated by the US government every 5 years to reflect changes in business types and economic activities (think ever-evolving sectors such as tech). It features a more detailed 6-digit code system organized into 20 major business sectors.
SIC codes are still in use today by some organizations, particularly for historical comparisons. However, shifting focus to the NAICS system offers greater granularity and better accommodates contemporary business types such as wireless cell phone stores or social media providers.
SIC codes in Esri Location Data
The Esri Business Summary dataset has historically used NAICS and SIC codes for businesses. This dataset summarizes business information from Data Axle and is available for analysis in the US and Canada. You may have come across this data when mapping the count of restaurants and their total employees and sales by ZIP code.
There is a 1:1 correspondence between SIC and NAICS codes provided by Data Axle. Every unique SIC code has a unique NAICS code equivalent. For example, if a user clicks on a location point for a restaurant, they will see that it has a SIC code value of 581208 and a NAICS code value of 7225117.
SIC codes in reports and infographics
In Business Analyst, existing reports and infographics may use SIC-based business variables.
There is a new template: Business Summary Report – NAICS (Tabular). This new template uses only NAICS codes and provides an update to the existing Business Summary Report template.
The new Business Summary Report – NAICS (Tabular) infographic will be available in Business Analyst in the following ways:
- The Business Analyst Web App February 2025 release includes this infographic template in the Gallery infographics section.
- Business Analyst Pro and Business Analyst Enterprise include this infographic template when you are connected to the online dataset. A local version of this infographic template (for use with local datasets) will be released along with the data update in June 2025.
SIC codes in Business Analyst Web App
In Business Analyst Web App, you may see SIC codes in the following places:
- In the Esri Business Summary dataset, impacting variables that are available in the data browser.
- As a code to search in the points of interest (POI) search workflow.
- As a custom variable list in the void analysis workflow.
- In a saved variable list (called My list) in the smart map search, benchmark comparisons, and suitability analysis workflows.
Data browser
In the Business Analyst Web App data browser, some business summary variables are derived from SIC codes. These SIC-based variables will show a warning icon to indicate that it will be removed in a future release.
With the SIC codes transition, any SIC-based variables (as indicated with the warning icon) will be removed. Additionally, the Industry by SIC Code filter in the data browser will be removed.
Points of interest (POI) search
Currently in the POI search workflow, you can search using keywords (such as searching for hospitals or using the name of a specific hospital), industry categories, or NAICS and SIC codes.
With the SIC codes transition, only NAICS codes will be available if you use codes for your search.
Void analysis
Currently in the void analysis workflow, you can create a custom variable list using NAICS or SIC codes.
With the SIC codes transition, only NAICS codes will be available if you use codes for your custom list in void analysis.
Saved variable lists
Currently in the smart map search, benchmark comparisons, and suitability analysis workflows, you can use a saved variable list (called My list).
If you are using a SIC-based business variable in your saved variable list in any of these workflows, there will be a warning message.
With the SIC codes transition, the variables with a warning label will be removed from your saved lists.
SIC codes in Business Analyst Pro
In Business Analyst Pro, you may see SIC codes in the following places:
- In the Esri Business Summary and Canada 2024 datasets, impacting variables that are available in the data browser.
- As a code in the points of interest (POI) search workflow.
Data browser
In the Business Analyst Pro data browser, some business summary variables are derived from SIC codes.
With the SIC codes transition, any SIC-based variables will be removed. Additionally, the Industry by SIC Code category in the data browser will be removed.
POI search
Currently in the POI search workflow, you can search using keywords or codes. If you use codes, you can use the Code Type drop-down menu to select either NAICS or SIC codes.
With the SIC codes transition, only NAICS codes will be available if you use codes in your POI search.
SIC codes in Business Analyst Enterprise
Business Analyst Enterprise 11.5 will be updated to align with the changes in the Business Analyst Web App February 2025 release. This includes warning messages in the data browser when using SIC-based variables from the Esri Business Summary dataset.
In a future release of Business Analyst Enterprise, the SIC codes transition will additionally impact the points of interest (POI) search and void analysis workflows as well as saved variable lists.
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