APICS Business Outlook Index

APICS Business Outlook Index was a former national manufacturing index based on surveys of manufacturing firms in the U.S. The index number was released on a monthly basis, with above 50 signaling expansion and below 50 indicating contraction. After APICS (American Production and Inventory Control Society) merged with Supply Chain Council (SCC) in 2014, the index no longer existed.

APICS calls itself "the premier professional association for supply chain management and the leading provider of research, education and certification programs that elevate supply chain excellence, innovation and resilience." With tens of thousands of members, APICS had unique insights into manufacturing activities across America. Its Business Outlook Index was compiled from surveys of many of its leading members that represented broad swaths of various industries. The survey asked for forward-looking plans instead of backward-looking data. The "outlook," as signified in the index number, gave a view into how corporate managers felt about the economy in the near term. An index number over 50 suggested optimism that economic growth would continue and therefore they were prepared to increase output to meet demand. Anything below 50 pointed to potential production contraction as managers, as a whole, believed that the economy would slow down.

APICS Business Outlook Index was not a prominent index relative to well-known indicators such as the ISM Manufacturing Index and Purchasing Managers Index, both of which largely yield the same type of intelligence that is useful to market participants as well as the Federal Reserve Board (Fed). The Fed also conducts its own surveys of manufacturing activity in the country to assist it in its monetary policy decisions.