Business Intelligence BI is a set of strategies and tools that make it possible for companies to manage and analyse information about the performance of the market. Information that is processed using Business Intelligence gives the decision makers a clearer insight of the company’s position (in terms of competitiveness) and the factors that affect it. Business Intelligence acts as a warning system with regard to the situation of the market and trends, changes in the commercial environment and competitors that have a critical affect on business by detecting any important changes that happen in business.

AIDICO works on the following research lines:

• Novel techniques and methodologies used for obtaining information by means of company panels, discussion groups, etc. The aim is to improve our systems for the collection and treatment of qualitative information coming from the different parties that that play a role in the construction sector.
• Surveillance processes that enable information to be obtained, which is later analysed and interpreted:
  • Establishing methodologies for acquiring trustworthy, systematic information about existing and potential competitors (competitive surveillance).
  • Studying data related to clients and suppliers: development of clients’ needs, client’s solvency, new products offered by suppliers (commercial surveillance)
  • Detecting external issues that might condition the future in areas such as sociology, politics, the environment, legislation, etc (Business Environment Watch)
    o Monitoring technological changes that arise and which could affect the normal running of companies (Technology Watch)
• Application of competitive intelligence techniques that make it possible to know the strategic positioning of the company in its area. By contrasting different performance models, selection criteria are drawn up in order to be able to apply methodologies that best fit to the situation that is being analysed.
• Researching novel methods for managing information and knowledge. Through needs analyses of specific information from every company or organisation and by studying their information flows and processes, research can be carried out to improve the handling of data. Together with the application of new technologies, this will enable the management of knowledge in companies.
• Development of IT tools and Web 2.0 applications to promote a collaborative environment in organisations by researching new systems and IT tool design processes. Theses systems and processes view organisations as complex information systems and special emphasis is laid on the new systems, services and applications developed from Web 2.0 applications to boost the creation of social networks.

This area will not carry out any activity that could lead to a conflict of interests with the Institute’s work as a Control Body, with regard to the products assessed, in accordance with ENAC requirements laid out in PE-ENAC-OC/01.