Tactical intelligence (TECHNICAL) is smaller-scale and less focused on being predictive.
Tactical issues include competitors':
- Terms of sale
- Price policies
- Product differentiation
- Current manufacturing methods and processes
- Access to, use of, and dependence on, outside technology
- Key patents and proprietary technology
- Types and levels of research and development
Technical intelligence has a slight overlap with both competitor and market intelligence, particularly with respect to its interest in suppliers and customers.
However, instead of dealing with market trends, Technical intelligence is usually focused on technology trends and scientific breakthroughs.
Technical intelligence projects can develop information on opportunities for your firm as well as threats to the firm.
Technical intelligence’s time horizon typically runs from 12 months in the past to 5+ years in the future.