The Living Code

The Living Code is an electronic version of the NIGP Code, which is updated dynamically as codes are added or maintained. In the past, new versions of the NIGP Code were released periodically, but between versions, users had no easy way to keep current. With the Living Code, the most current version of the code is always just a few mouse clicks away. New codes and changes to existing codes are incorporated into the Living Code immediately as they are approved, so the user can easily view or download changes to the NIGP Code anytime, or they can view or download the entire NIGP Code.

The Living Code is driven by the simplest, most effective search capabilities available to find item descriptions and codes. The user can choose between a "Specific Code" Search, a "Drill-Down" Search, or a "Keyword" Search.

Sample The Code: Click Here to view a sample of the NIGP Commodity/Services Code.

Using The Living Code

Specific Code Search

A Specific Code search is appropriate when the user knows the specific code, but needs to know what the code means, i.e., what specific item the code describes. Specific Code searches are extremely quick and accurate. If the requested code is found, the description is returned immediately. If the requested code is not found, a message is displayed, and the closest match is displayed.

Drill-Down Search

Drill-Down works like an index. The user chooses a selection from a list of about thirty high-level categories of products and services, and continues to "drill-down" to greater levels of detail until the desired level of detail is reached.

Keyword Search

Keyword Searches allow the user to enter one or more keywords, and the system will find all selections meeting the requested criteria. The search engine uses a comprehensive list of synonyms to help the user find items that may be identified by different words by different people, or in different regions of the country. For example, a search would find the "casual and dress clothing" category if the user searches using "pants", or "trousers", or "slacks" as the keyword.