Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) is a venerable name in the world of business intelligence and analytics, boasting a history that spans nearly 180 years. With its unique data universal numbering system (DUNS numbers) and proprietary analytics tools, D&B provides invaluable resources to businesses looking to enhance profitability, manage risks, and optimize marketing strategies. In this article, we explore the company's offerings, history, and significance in the business landscape today.
What is Dun & Bradstreet?
Dun & Bradstreet is a global provider of business intelligence products that leverage an extensive database and sophisticated analytics software. The company's products are essential for firms seeking to improve profitability, refine marketing approaches, and effectively manage risk. In 2020, D&B generated approximately $1.7 billion in revenues, underscoring its key position in the knowledge-intensive B2B sector.
Key Offerings
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DUNSRight® Quality Process: This proprietary analytics tool ensures the accuracy and quality of the data D&B provides to its clients, facilitating informed decisions based on reliable information.
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DUNS Numbers: Each business in D&B's global database is assigned a unique DUNS number—a nine-digit identifier that streamlines data management and enhances client interactions.
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Business Intelligence Services: D&B caters to an array of client needs, covering sales, finance, compliance, marketing, and procurement. Its Data Cloud provides easy access to vital company data, including credit scores, regulatory filings, ownership structures, and business principals.
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Revenue Segments: D&B’s offerings include subscription services, intelligence reports, data license agreements, public sector partnerships, and concierge support specifically designed for small businesses.
The History of Dun & Bradstreet
D&B’s origins can be traced back to 1841, when Lewis Tappan founded the Mercantile Agency in New York City. The agency, later reincorporated as R.G. Dun & Co. in 1859 under Robert Graham Dun's ownership, played a significant role in shaping America’s understanding of creditworthiness.
Simultaneously, John Bradstreet established Bradstreet Co. in Cincinnati in 1849—pioneering the practice of commercial ratings. The 1933 merger between R.G. Dun & Co. and Bradstreet Co. resulted in the formation of a new entity known as R.G. Dun-Bradstreet, which would later evolve into the Dun & Bradstreet that operates today.
Over the decades, D&B has expanded its capacity through numerous acquisitions; a notable one was the 2021 purchase of Bisnode, a leading European data and analytics firm. In 2020, after a brief period of being a private entity, D&B relisted its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol DNB.
DUNS Number and Data Universal Numbering System
Introduced in 1963, the Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) revolutionized how businesses were identified and classified. Originally a seven-digit code, the system transitioned to a nine-digit identifier, which helps to uniquely classify every commercial entity in the D&B database. The assigned DUNS number is randomly generated and serves as a key reference point in transactions, ensuring seamless data sharing and analysis across businesses.
D&B Ratings
Dun & Bradstreet also offers a credit rating service, the D&B Rating, which evaluates companies based on several factors—primarily their payment histories and public records. The rating is divided into two segments:
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Common Credit Appraisal: This part assesses the creditworthiness of a company based on extensive metrics derived from historical payment behavior and other relevant data.
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Rating Classification: This aspect scores businesses concerning their net worth and financial strengths, offering insights that can inform lending and credit decisions.
Conclusion
Dun & Bradstreet plays an indispensable role in the realm of business intelligence, assisting millions of companies worldwide in making data-informed decisions. Its established history, innovative DUNS system, and robust analytics offerings position D&B as a formidable player in the global market. In a rapidly evolving business landscape where data accuracy and insights can set industries apart, D&B’s expertise will continue to be a valuable asset for companies aiming to excel. Whether through credit assessments or data integration solutions, Dun & Bradstreet remains at the forefront of providing business intelligence that empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of today’s economic environment.