The key differences between descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics lie in their objectives, techniques, and outcomes. Here's a breakdown of each:
1. Descriptive Analytics
Objective: Understand what has happened in the past.
Focus: Provides insights into historical data by summarizing it.
Techniques: Basic statistics, data aggregation, data mining, and visualization.
Outcome: Helps in answering questions like "What happened?" or "What is happening?" It involves reporting key performance indicators (KPIs) and trends.
Example: A report showing last year's sales figures, customer demographics, or website traffic.
2. Predictive Analytics
Objective: Predict what is likely to happen in the future.
Focus: Uses historical data to forecast future outcomes.
Techniques: Machine learning, regression analysis, time-series forecasting, and statistical modeling.
Outcome: Helps in answering questions like "What could happen?" It identifies patterns and relationships in data to make forecasts.
Example: Predicting customer churn, sales projections, or risk assessment in financial markets.
3. Prescriptive Analytics
Objective: Provide recommendations on actions to take.
Focus: Suggest optimal courses of action based on data.
Techniques: Optimization algorithms, simulation models, and decision analysis.
Outcome: Helps in answering questions like "What should we do?" It predicts outcomes and recommends specific actions to achieve desired goals.
Example: Recommending the best pricing strategy, supply chain optimization, or personalized marketing campaigns based on customer behavior.
Data Analytics Training in PuneData Analytics Course in PuneData Analytics Classes in Pune