About the Annual Survey of Manufacturers (ASM)
Geographic Coverage: United States, 50 states and District of Columbia.
Frequency: Annual Data. The Census Bureau conducts the ASM in each of the 4 years between the economic census, which is collected for years ending in 2 and 7. The economic census - manufacturing is the sample frame from which the ASM is chosen and presents more detailed data than the ASM.
Time span: 1997 - forward
Revisions: With each new ASM release, previous years' data is eligible for revision.
Variables: A condensed version of the ASM for 2001 is provided. The ASM's introduction, Appendix A (Explanation of Terms), and Appendix B (Coverage and Methodology) can be used as a reference - ASM Reference Material.
Relative Standard Error Note: Estimates of the standard errors have been computed from the sample data for selected ASM statistics in this report. They are represented in the form of relative standard errors (the standard errors divided by the estimated values to which they refer). In conjunction with its associated estimate, the relative standard error may be used to define confidence intervals (ranges that would include the comparable, completecoverage value for specified percentages of all the possible samples). The complete-coverage value would be included in the range:
- From one standard error below to one standard error above the derived estimate for about two-thirds of all possible samples.
- From two standard errors below to two standard errors above the derived estimate for about 19 out of 20 of all possible samples.
- From three standard errors below to three standard errors above the derived estimate for nearly all samples. An inference that the comparable, complete-survey result would be within the indicated ranges would be correct in approximately the relative frequencies shown. Those proportions, therefore, may be interpreted as defining the confidence that the estimates from a particular sample would differ from complete-coverage results by as much as one, two, or three standard errors, respectively.
For example, suppose an estimated total is shown at 50,000 with an associated relative standard error of 2 percent, that is, a standard error of 1,000 (2 percent of 50,000). There is approximately 67 percent confidence that the interval 49,000 to 51,000 includes the completecoverage total, about 95 percent confidence that the interval 48,000 to 52,000 includes the complete-coverage total, and almost certain confidence that the interval 47,000 to 53,000 includes the complete-coverage total.
Important Data Notes
- All Employees and Production Workers' Numbers - Figures represent average number of production workers for payroll period ended nearest the 12th of March, May, August, and November, plus all other employees for payroll period ended nearest the 12th of March.
- Total Cost of Materials and Total Value of Shipments - Aggregate of total cost of materials and total value of shipments includes extensive duplication, since products of some industries are used as materials of others.
- Relative Standard Error of Estimate (percent) - Description of relative standard error of estimate is given in Appendix B. Percentage standard errors shown are approximate relative standard errors of estimates of level.
- Includes industry groups with 950 employees or more. Data based on the most recent Annual Survey of Manufacturers (ASM) and previous years' data may differ from earlier Annual Survey's of Manufacturers due to revisions.
- Data for 2002 is from the Economic Census and the U.S. values are a sum of the state data.