First Research

Open First Research in another browser window to work through this tutorial side by side.

Welcome to the First Research database tutorial. In this tutorial you will become familiar with the different types of industry information available to you in First Research Industry Profiles.

First Research is a database containing proprietary industry information, which means it includes content created by highly trained professional analysts who generally provide their research output for a fee.

Accessing First Research

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Are you on campus right now?  If so, you should already be able to see a screen with a blue CONTINUE button that will lead you to First Research. Click on that Continue button.

On the next screen, click Continue again, and then click Submit on the next screen to access First Research.

If you're off campus, you may see a screen asking for your Butler ID and password. If so, enter this information now to access First Research. Once you enter your Butler ID and password, follow the directions above to start using the database.

Accessing First Research

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You should now be looking at the homepage of First Research. Take a look at the top tab of the screen. You can see the different types of content available in the database. 

First Research contains:

  • Industry and Geographic Profiles 
  • Sales and Marketing Profiles
  • Industry Prospector Reports

We're going to begin by searching for Industry Profiles to access critical information about industries. 

Industry Profiles

1 of 7First Research’s Industry Profiles are in-depth industry summaries with current intelligence about challenges, opportunities, executive pain points, and statistics.  You can use the profiles to learn about the big picture landscape and industry-specific issues.

Let's now find an industry profile for the fast-food industry. 

Industry Profiles

2 of 7For this example, you will need to be familiar with finding and using NAICS codes. If you're unfamiliar with NAICS codes  or would like a refresher, please review the NAICS code tutorial.

Now take a look at the search bar on the main interface:

You have the option of searching by NAICS code or by keyword. Because NAICS codes provide consistent and accurate descriptions of industries and sectors, let's use the NAICS code for the fast food industry: 722513

Enter the NAICS code into the search bar and click 'Search'

Industry Profiles

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You should now see a list of available industry profiles. Notice how the database describes our industry as "Fast Food & Quick Service Restaurants."  You might want to make a note of this for future keyword searches. 

Now click on the link for the industry profile for the Fast-Food Industry. 

Industry Profiles

4 of 7You should now be looking at the overview of the industry profile for the fast-food industry:

This overview will provide a brief summary of the information available to you about the industry.

Notice the date in the top right corner of the report. Because this is proprietary information developed by professional analysts, the report will be updated regularly, often quarterly, to provide you with the most recent information available regarding news, forecasts, financials, trends, and challenges. 

Let's now take an in-depth look at some of the information provided to you in this report.

Industry Profiles

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Click on the 'FULL PROFILE' link located just above the date on the top right corner of the screen to look at the full profile for the industry. 

This is the full compiled report created by analysts who cover multiple aspects of the industry.  This report is a great place to start if you need an in-depth look at the industry. 

Industry Profiles

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If you're specifically interested in certain topics, the menu on the left hand side of the screen will provide direct access to the specific parts of the report without having to scroll through the entire profile. 

Industry Profiles

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Take a look at the menu on the left hand side of the screen and click on the 'Executive Insight' link. 

What is an aspect of the fast food industry CEOs should be aware of?

Industry Profiles for Additional Research

1 of 3First Research Industry Profiles can also be used as a jumping-off place to prepare for additional industry research. 

Let's take a look at the section called 'Websites & Acronyms' by clicking on the heading in the menu on the left side of the screen.

  • The Industry Websites section provides a list of trade resources for you to explore as part of further research on the industry.
  • The Glossary of Acronyms is going to contain beneficial keywords to use in your searches. 

Industry Profiles for Additional Research

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In the professional business environment, it is critical to be prepared for initial meetings with clients.  To help with that, First Research Industry Profiles provides a 'Call Prep Sheet' with pertinent, industry specific questions regarding your client's operations. 

To access the 'Call Prep Sheet' click on the link in the top left corner of the profile screen: 

Industry Profiles for Additional Research

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Congratulations!  You've now completed the tutorial on First Research. 

If you have questions, please feel free to contact your Business Librarian!