Trend Maps provide help in strategic analyses. The identification of trends is a point of departure for their critical analysis, comparisons with early signs of change and for the questioning of hidden assumptions. It is worth noting that a trend map which provides a systematization of current trends is only the foundation for a strategic analysis, which should focus on determining future trends, opportunities and threats, and relevant strategy adjustments.
Early  identification of future trends and discontinuities is crucial to maintaining a strategic advantage in a dynamically changing environment. Hence, 4CF offers solutions which utilise a well-tested scenario analysis and other strategic foresight methods. Theses solutions serve to identify potential new trends and show the weakening and strengthening of existing ones.
The Trend Map, when developed in a methodical manner and constantly updated, evolves into an Early Warning System – a tool for flexible strategy updates and early detection of market opportunities and threats.
An up-to-date trend map can be uploaded onto your company’s intranet as an interactive infographic called the Trend Lens. Trends Lens updates can rely on a knowledge management system as well as on scouting based on the Delphi method and accessible to the management and selected employees from various levels. The Trend Lens is designed to increase the ability of decision makers to identify new sources of strategic advantage.