From Competitive Intelligence to Competitive Advantage

when concept of competitive Intelligence emerged early eighties last century nobody expect that it would entail all those details related now

As CI is not just analyzing competitors but it is a whole operation about making any organization more competitive relative to its entire environment especially stakeholders: customers, 

competitors, distributors, , and all going economic data. 

And as It is competitive so focus always is about extrinsic factors and environment around 

CI units now are a part of any major organization for the sake of not only facing threats but 

also capitalizing opportunities 

 So CI plays a major role in strategic Decision Making 

Difference between Strategic Intelligence and Tactical Intelligence

Strategic Intelligence (SI)  is about  long term, looking at issues  related to  companys competitiveness within 2 years. 

But actual time for forecasting depends on the industry and how quickly  changing. 

questions to be answered  are

 Where should we as a company be in X years?

 What are the strategic risks and opportunities expected ?

Tactical Intelligence :  to improve short term decisions

As grow market share or profits 

Generally, it is informations that you would need to support the sales process in an organization. 

It investigates various aspects of a product marketing 

The Aim of CI especially tactical intelligence is Competitive Advantage