What is SIC Code / WZ Code?
The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code and the German Wirtschaftszweig (WZ) code are state classification systems used to categorize companies by industry. They were originally developed decades ago for statistical purposes, not for modern software sales.
The Problem with WZ Codes in B2B Sales
Almost every traditional B2B database (Dealfront, Bisnode, etc.) uses WZ-08 codes to make companies filterable. The fatal disadvantage: these categories are extremely coarse (e.g., '28.41 Manufacturing of machine tools for metalworking'). A software company that wants to read CNC machine data looks for exactly these companies—but has to manually sort out hundreds of irrelevant entries because completely irrelevant screw manufacturers are also hidden in this category.
How Kodo Leads helps with SIC Code / WZ Code
Kodo Leads has replaced the SIC code. Instead, we crawl the technological reality of a company in real-time. We don't look for an industry, but for the presence of machine fleets, cleanrooms, patents, and certificates in the company's live content.
Try for freeFrequently asked questions about SIC Code / WZ Code
Are WZ codes updated?
Very rarely. Companies that have massively changed their business model (pivot) often remain stuck in the wrong WZ code in the commercial register for 10 years.
Are the codes internationally compatible?
No. The American NAICS, the British UK SIC, and the German WZ-08 codes cannot be mapped without significant data loss.