Differences between Business Intelligence and Detective Agencies

Business intelligence and detective agencies are two professional services that share the goal of gathering and analyzing relevant information, but their methods, purposes, and practical applications differ considerably. Both sectors are essential for effective risk management and informed decision-making, but each has a specific role and unique characteristics.

1. Main Objective

Business Intelligence: Its purpose is to help companies make strategic decisions based on the analysis of data, trends, and market behavior. Business intelligence helps identify opportunities, anticipate threats, and improve a company's competitive position. For example, a retail company can use business intelligence to decide where to open new stores based on the analysis of consumer data and competitor behavior.

Detective Agency: In contrast, the main objective of a detective agency is to carry out specific investigations to obtain information that supports or refutes suspicions in specific cases. Private detectives work primarily in personal, employment, or business investigations that require documented and detailed evidence. These investigations often respond to legal issues, such as verifying fraudulent sick leave or cases of unfair competition.

2. Areas of Activity

Business Intelligence: This covers a wide range of functions, from financial and market data analysis to competitor monitoring and business risk assessment. Business intelligence analysts work with internal and external data, using advanced analysis and prediction tools. Their reports are usually strategic and focused on the medium and long term.

Detective Agency: Detectives, on the other hand, have a more specific and limited scope of action. They can investigate family matters (custody, infidelity), work issues (fake sick leave, unfair competition), and also carry out specific corporate investigations, always within the limits of the law. Their approach is usually short-term and their reports focus on specific and verifiable situations.

3. Methodology and Legislation

Business Intelligence: This focuses on the collection and analysis of publicly available or licensed data, in accordance with privacy and data protection laws. They do not usually carry out invasive or covert investigations, but rather work with aggregated data and analyze trends, using specialized software and tools to make projections.

Detective Agency: In Spain, the private detective profession is regulated by Law 5/2014 on Private Security. Detectives must obtain their information using permitted techniques and strictly respect the privacy of those under investigation. Their techniques may include surveillance in public places and the use of permitted recording devices. In addition, private detectives may be called to testify in court to corroborate their reports.

4. Examples of Combined Use

Sometimes, companies need both business intelligence services and the services of a detective agency. For example, if a company suspects that a competitor has accessed its confidential information, it may turn to a detective agency to investigate the specific case, while business intelligence can analyze the impact and possible strategies to mitigate the risks.