Pembroke Consulting has worked closely with Census to provide an outside perspective on how supply chains and distribution channels function in the economy, said Adam J. Fein, president of Pembroke Consulting, in a statement.

"The data collected are highly important to measuring the industry and its contribution to the national economy," Fein said. "The information also helps build the foundation for Gross Domestic Product and other indicators of U.S. economic performance."

For the first time the 2002 Economic Census will yield data on supply chain relationships among the manufacturers of goods, those who store and distribute goods, those who transport goods and those who sell and bill for goods. Questions will also identify whether certain functions are outsourced to other companies.

The 2002 Economic Census also completes work started in 1997, when the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was first implemented as a replacement for the old Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. NAICS 2002 includes substantial revisions for the wholesale trade sector.

For help in completing the forms, visit www.census.gov/econhelp or call 800-233-6136 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday.