I think it's both. You are collecting publicly available data about your competitors to make some kind of guess.
Intelligence
Intelligence
Intelligence collection strengthens strategic and tactical positions by providing insights into an adversary's intentions, capabilities, and plans. This can involve various methods such as human intelligence (HUMINT), signals intelligence (SIGINT), and imagery intelligence (IMINT). By analyzing this information, decision-makers can anticipate adversary actions, assess threats, and develop appropriate countermeasures. Ultimately, effective intelligence gathering enhances situational awareness and supports informed decision-making.
A marketing information system (MKIS) is defined a set of procedures and methods designed to generate, analyze, disseminate, and store anticipated marketing decision information on a regular, continuous basis. An information system can be used operationally, managerially, and strategically for several aspects of marketing.A Marketing Information System can also be defined as 'a system in which marketing data is formally gathered, stored, analysed and distributed to managers in accordance with their informational needs on a regular basis'A marketing information system can be used operationally, managerially, and strategically for several aspects of marketing.As we all know that no marketing activity can be carried out in isolation, know when we say it doesn't work in isolation that means there are various forces could be external or internal, controllable or uncontrollable which are working on it. Thus to know which forces are acting on it and its impact the marketer needs to gathering the data through its own resources which in terms of marketing we can say he is trying to gather the market information or form a marketing information system. This collection of information is a continuous process that gathers data from a variety of sources synthesizes it and sends it to those responsible for meeting the market places needs. The effectiveness of marketing decision is proved if it has a strong information system offering the firm a Competitive advantage.Locating data and developing informationThe information needed by marketing managers comes from various sources which includes: - internal company records, marketing intelligence and marketing research. The information analysis system then processes this information to make it more useful for managers.Internal RecordsThese are information gathered from sources within the company to evaluate marketing performances and to detect marketing problems and opportunities. Most marketing managers use internal records and reports regularly, especially for making day-to-day planning, implementation and control decisions. Internal records information consists of information gathered from sources within the company to evaluate marketing performance and to detect marketing problems and opportunities.Information from internal records is usually quicker and cheaper to get than information from other sources, but it also presents some problems. Because internal information was for other purposes, it may be incomplete or in the wrong form for making marketing decisions. For example, accounting department sales and cost data used for preparing financial statements need adapting for use in evaluating product, sales force or channel performance.Marketing IntelligenceThe total information needs of the marketing department can be specified and satisfied via a marketing intelligence network. The marketing intelligence system determines the intelligence needed, collects it by searching the environment and delivers it to marketing managers who need it. Marketing intelligence comes from many sources. Much intelligence is from the company's personnel - executives, engineers and scientists, purchasing agents and the sales force. But company people are often busy and fail to pass on important information. The company must 'sell' its people on their importance as intelligence gatherers, train them to spot new developments and urge them to report intelligence hack to the company.The company must also persuade suppliers, resellers and customers to pass along important intelligence. Some information on competitor's conies from what they say about themselves in annual reports, speeches, press releases and advertisements. The company can also learn about competitors from what others say about them in business publications and at trade shows. Or the company can watch what competitors do - buying and analyzing competitors' products, monitoring their sales and checking for new patents. Companies also buy intelligence information from outside suppliers.
Factors affecting data capture include the quality and reliability of the data sources, the methods and tools used for data collection, and the environment in which data is gathered. Human error, technology limitations, and data privacy regulations can also impact the accuracy and completeness of the captured data. Additionally, the training and expertise of personnel involved in data collection play a crucial role in ensuring effective data capture.
Intelligence
Intelligence
CI analysis involves gathering intelligence on competitors to understand their strategies and capabilities. To counter opposition's collection efforts, organizations can enhance cybersecurity measures, use deception tactics, and implement counterintelligence measures to protect sensitive information. It is essential to continuously assess and update these strategies to stay ahead of competitors.
An intelligence collections manager must process and organize a collection of intelligence information from varying sources. The manager simply collects the information and is not required to attempt to validate the information, nor analyze the significance of it.
Intelligence
Intelligence
¢Product resulting from the collection, evaluation, analysis, interrogation and interpretation of available information.
intelligence led policing
intelligence led policing
The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills.The collection of information of military or political value: "military intelligence".
The term is "database." It is a structured collection of data that allows for storage, retrieval, and management of information related to the environment. By querying the database, one can generate reports and uncover insights about the environment.
Espionage