For tips on writing queries, read How to craft prompts for Phil.
General
What is Phil?
Phil is a conversational, AI-driven research tool that combines the intelligence of large language models with the breadth of IBISWorld’s data and analyst-written insights. Available in more than 7,000 IBISWorld industry reports, you can ask Phil to retrieve the exact information you need on thousands of industries.
What can I use Phil to do?
Phil takes the heavy lifting out of industry research. Use Phil to:
Find information faster: Ask Phil for the exact information you need rather than searching for specific data points or analysis in reports. Phil’s answers include links to the relevant chapters and sections in the industry report.
Reframe report information: Organize industry report data into different frameworks and formats based on your specific research needs.
Generate pitches, emails and social posts: Save time and effort by asking Phil to write your deliverables for you. Phil will write the content you need in your desired style, using the most relevant industry data and insights.
Identify strategic opportunities: Discover where you should focus your resources or what your go-to-market plan should entail based on industry conditions.
Calculate and benchmark data: Ask Phil to calculate the deviation from industry norms of your or your client’s financial or performance data.
Solve problems: Tell Phil exactly what you're looking for to get a scenario-specific, contextual answer to your role-specific research questions.
Prepare for meetings: Generate call prep questions and pitches and anticipate objections so you can enter meetings with confidence.
Conduct a risk analysis: Ask Phil to categorize market characteristics into low-, medium-, and high-risk categories. Phil provides the context you need to understand the expected implications for your role.
Learn how you can leverage Phil for your research needs on our blog.
Where can I find Phil?
You can find Phil in the right-hand toolbar of any industry report.
What's the difference between IBISWorld.AI and Phil?
IBISWorld.AI is our AI solution combining Open AI’s GPT-4o Large Language Model (LLM) with our database of trustworthy industry data and analyst-written forward-looking analysis. IBISWorld.AI only uses data and insights from our industry reports.
Phil helps you enhance your industry research by answering questions and synthesizing information using the power of IBISWorld.AI.
Does IBISWorld offer any other AI-powered tools or features?
Yes, the Paragraph Builder feature transforms analyst-written bullet points into paragraphs using AI, offering a different approach to content synthesis.
Does IBISWorld use AI analysis in their reports?
No, all our research is performed by a team of trained analysts that report to local offices in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.
We treat AI as strictly a synthesis tool. Phil and Paragraph Builder do not analyze or change our industry information, they simply scour an industry report for the information you need and provide you with in-context answers to your research questions. AI is not used as a starting point for identifying trends, performing calculations or carrying out any other research activities.
Access and pricing
Is there a limit to how much I can use Phil?
Yes, each user is allowed 100 questions per month. The limit resets on the first of each month. Unused questions do not roll over to the next month. You cannot transfer unused questions to other users on your account.
Does clicking on one of the follow-up questions count toward my question limit?
Yes, clicking on the follow-up questions counts towards your question limit.
Does clicking on one of the chapter suggestions count toward my question limit?
No, clicking on the chapter suggestions does not count towards your question limit.
Can I turn Phil off on my account?
Yes, your Client Relationship Manager can manually disable Phil on your account.
Can I purchase additional questions if I reach my limit?
You cannot purchase additional questions. This may change in the future based on user demand.
Why don’t I have access to Phil on my account?
You may not have access to Phil for any of the following reasons:
Phil is not available on student accounts
Your administrator may have disabled Phil on your account
Phil is currently unavailable in the following reports:
Mexico Industry Reports
Some China Industry Reports
If you’re unsure why you can’t access Phil in industry reports, please contact your Client Relationship Manager.
Usage and functionality
What is a RAG model, and how does Phil use it?
A RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) model combines large language models with external databases to enhance the accuracy and relevance of responses. Phil uses RAG to retrieve information from IBISWorld's proprietary database before generating answers, ensuring responses are grounded in reliable and curated industry insights. Phil uses 3rd party large language models provided by Azure OpenAI Service.
Does Phil reference information across the web to generate answers?
No, Phil only uses information from IBISWorld’s database to generate responses. Although Phil possesses general knowledge that extends beyond the facts and figures in our reports—based on the OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model—its answers always use our reports as the source for any industry-related questions. Phil will avoid answering questions that would require access to the wider internet for answers.
Who owns the output generated by Phil? Am I at risk of plagiarism violations if I copy and paste from Phil?
IBISWorld owns all content on the IBISWorld platform. IBISWorld clients are licensed to use the content per the terms of their contract.
Can I reference Phil’s answers later or view my recently asked questions?
No, your queries will not be saved when you exit the report you used Phil in.
Can Phil reply with the content from other reports or only the one I’m in?
Phil is currently only capable of searching within the industry report that you are in.
What kind of language does Phil understand?
Phil is designed to understand and respond to questions asked in plain English. For best results, be specific and clear when asking questions.
Can Phil provide data visualizations?
Phil currently provides text-only responses. For data visualizations, such as charts and graphs, you can view the related chapter of the report.
Can Phil answer multi-part questions?
Phil is designed to handle one question at a time, so it’s best to break complex questions into multiple parts if needed.
Data and privacy
Does IBISWorld retain my data, such as which questions I’ve asked Phil?
IBISWorld periodically analyzes user interactions with Phil for quality control and product development. Insight into how our clients use Phil is not used for marketing and is not released to any other organization for any reason.
Does OpenAI retain my data and questions?
No, OpenAI does not retain data from Phil. Likewise, Microsoft Azure does not access user data under the specific terms and conditions set forth in our contract. More details can be obtained by reviewing Azure OpenAI Service’s data, privacy, and security policy.
If someone at my organization types personal or sensitive information into Phil, what is the risk of that information getting leaked?
We use best-in-class security tools to safeguard your data across our platforms. Since Azure OpenAI Service does not access your data, you can expect the same level of security. With this in mind, the risk of a data breach is very low.
Can my Administrator see which questions I’ve asked Phil?
We may share your questions with your account administrator during the license renewal period as part of discussing overall usage. You should not provide sensitive or personal information to Phil when asking questions.
Does IBISWorld use my data to train Phil or any other AI models?
No, IBISWorld does not use your data (i.e., your questions) to train Phil or any other AI models. Azure OpenAI Service does not use your data to improve OpenAI models, or any 3rd party products or services. Your data is used in adherence with IBISWorld’s Privacy Policy.
How does IBISWorld handle data security and privacy in relation to AI? How can I be confident our data is secure and aligns with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)?
No customer data or personally identifiable information (PPI) is provided to Phil or the 3rd party large language models we use through Azure OpenAI Service.
Accuracy
How accurate are Phil’s answers?
Any data points or trends Phil generates are as accurate as the source information in the industry report. However, we can't guarantee the accuracy of Phil's output because the output is provided by a 3rd party Large Language Model (OpenAI) through a typical “Retrieval-Augmented Generation” or “RAG” framework. Our Product and Technology teams regularly review answers to questions that our customers ask Phil.
If Phil provides responses that contradict the report, should I trust Phil or the report?
Since Phil is designed to only generate answers using information directly from our reports, it's unlikely you will encounter a discrepancy between Phil's answer and a report. Should a discrepancy occur, however, the source of truth will always be the industry report.
How accurate are Phil’s calculations?
We have not trained Phil on our preferred methods for calculating ratios, forecasts or mathematical equations. As such, we can't guarantee the accuracy of Phil's calculations or confirm the equations that Phil uses to produce results. If you use Phil for calculations, we encourage you to ask for his methodology. For example:
Support
Can I report errors?
You can click the thumbs up and thumbs down feedback options in the Phil interface to let us know whether you like or dislike the response. We will use your feedback to improve Phil.
How can we share feedback on Phil?
You can share any feedback on Phil with your Client Relationship Manager.
We may also ask for your feedback through a survey on the IBISWorld platform or via email. Your input helps us identify trends and areas for improvement so we can provide you with a more useful and effective tool.
For additional questions regarding Phil or IBISWorld.AI, please contact your Client Relationship Manager. If you don’t have an IBISWorld account, contact us to learn more about our membership options.