Forecasting strategic changes and installing a decision support system based on weak signals

The set of methods illustrated in this paper as FiFi FoFo (Find, Filter, Format, Focus) allows a company a better understanding of its future to identify further requirements of the manufacturing system and act to these changes in advance. We propose a combination of leading indicators based on weak signals and performance measurement ratios within the balanced scorecard to ensure a sound and long-term development of the company. Finally new product development preconditions could be generated from the framework of relevant trends to the companies future.