Industry

The industry code meaning is the official description associated with an industry code within a classification system. This data point enables correct interpretation of a company’s economic activity.

What is it?

The IndustryMeaning field provides the official description of the code recorded in IndustryCode. Each industrial classification system assigns a specific name to every code, making it easier to understand without knowing the numerical value.

For example, in Spain’s CNAE system, code 6201 corresponds to "Computer programming activities", while in Mexico’s SCIAN system, code 541511 is described as "Software development".

What is it for?

For data and B2B sales teams, IndustryMeaning is useful to:

  • Interpret industry data without requiring knowledge of numeric codes.
  • Segment companies by economic activity in a clear and understandable way.
  • Enable conversion between different classification systems in global databases.
  • Optimise market analysis and sector studies using clear descriptions.

This field makes industry information more accessible and easier to work with in business analysis.

Examples of meanings by country

Each country has its own industry classification system and therefore its own set of official descriptions.

Spain (CNAE)

CNAE CodeOfficial meaning
0113Growing of vegetables, roots and tubers
1419Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories
4724Retail sale of bread and bakery products
6201Computer programming activities
7022Business and other management consultancy activities

France (NAF)

NAF CodeOfficial meaning
10.71AManufacture of bread and fresh bakery products
25.62AMachining
47.11DSupermarkets
62.01ZComputer programming
70.22ZBusiness and other management consultancy

Italy (ATECO)

ATECO CodeOfficial description
10.71.10Manufacture of fresh bread and bakery products
14.19.00Manufacture of other wearing apparel and accessories
47.11.10Hypermarkets
62.01.00Software production not connected with publishing
70.22.09Other business consultancy and corporate planning

Mexico (SCIAN)

SCIAN CodeOfficial meaning
311812Traditional breadmaking
315229Manufacture of other outerwear
445110Supermarkets and self-service stores
541511Software development
541611Management consultancy

Conclusion

IndustryMeaning is an essential data point for correctly interpreting industry codes in business databases. It provides a clear description of a company’s activity, facilitating segmentation, analysis, and standardisation across markets.

For international databases, it is important to note that descriptions may vary between countries even when referring to similar activities.

Examples

By industry sectors

By curated industries