Industrial Intelligence: Implications for Engineering Managers

Abstract

This paper addresses the issue of whether engineers should be concerned with the nonreactive collection of information in a business context. A literature review results in an outline and categorization of nonreactive collection methods currently in use. These methods, including archival methods and the use of physical traces, are described. A brief list of potential targets of industrial intelligence is presented. The paper calls for engineers to have a greater awareness of covert activity to reduce risk and concludes with a number of practical suggestions for engineering managers to help them cope with others' industrial intelligence activities.