What is Predictive Analytics?

Predictive analytics is a branch of advanced analytics that uses historical data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to identify the likelihood of future outcomes based on historical data. The primary goal is to go beyond knowing what has happened to provide the best assessment of what will happen in the future.

Benefits of Predictive Analytics

1. Enhanced Decision Making: Make informed decisions based on data-driven insights rather than gut feelings.
2. Cost Savings: Optimize resources and reduce waste by predicting demand and managing inventory effectively.
3. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and take preventive measures to mitigate them.
4. Improved Customer Satisfaction: Anticipate customer needs and preferences, leading to better products and services.

Predictive Analytics Techniques

Predictive analytics techniques offer a wide range of applications powered by various types of models that generate valuable insights. To determine the best predictive analytics techniques for your organization, start with a clearly defined objective. Once you know the specific question you want to answer, you can select the most suitable model.

List of Predictive Analytics Models

1. Regression Models: Used to predict continuous outcomes.
2. Classification Models: These models categorize data into predefined classes.
3. Clustering Models: Group similar data points together based on defined criteria.
4. Time Series Models: Analyze data points collected or recorded at specific time intervals to forecast future values.

1. Regression Models in Predictive Analytics

Regression models estimate the relationship between variables, tracking how independent variables impact dependent variables to predict future outcomes. These models range from simple (one independent and one dependent variable) to multiple linear regression (multiple independent variables). Various regression techniques can be applied based on the specific use case.

By defining variable relationships, organizations can conduct scenario or ‘what-if’ analysis, testing how changes in independent variables affect outcomes.

Application of Regression Models
For example, a company might use a regression model to analyze how product qualities influence purchase likelihood, such as identifying a correlation between blue shirts and higher sales. These insights help refine marketing strategies and product development, optimizing future performance.

2. Classification Models in Predictive Analytics

Classification models categorize data based on historical knowledge. Using a labeled training dataset, the classification algorithm learns correlations between data and labels and then categorizes new data. Popular techniques include decision trees, random forests, and text analytics.

These models are highly adaptable and can be retrained with new data, making them useful across various industries.

Application of Classification Models
For example, banks use classification models to detect fraudulent transactions. By analyzing millions of past transactions, the algorithm identifies patterns indicative of fraud and alerts customers to suspicious activity.

3. Clustering Models in Predictive Analytics

Clustering models group data based on similar attributes. Using a data matrix that associates items with relevant features, the algorithm clusters items with shared features, uncovering hidden patterns. Organizations use clustering models to group customers for personalized targeting strategies.

Application of Clustering Models
A restaurant might cluster customers by location and mail flyers only to those within a certain driving distance of a new location.

4. Time-series Models in Predictive Analytics

Time series models analyze data points in relation to time, making time one of the most common variables in predictive analytics. These models use historical data to predict future metrics. For example, analyzing data from the past year can help forecast the upcoming weeks.

Time series analyses are versatile, used for applications like seasonality analysis (predicting how assets are affected by certain times of the year) and trend analysis (determining asset movements over time).

Application of Time-series Models
Forecasting sales for the next quarter, predicting store visitor numbers, or even determining peak flu seasons.

Predictive Analytics with Tableau

Tableau empowers users to not only visualize their data but also to gain actionable insights through advanced predictive capabilities. Whether you’re looking to forecast sales, predict customer behavior, or optimize business operations, Tableau is the right choice.

3 Ways to do Predictive Analytics in Tableau

1. Forecasting in Tableau Desktop

Tableau Desktop offers robust forecasting features that allow users to make data-driven predictions effortlessly. Using exponential smoothing models, Tableau enables you to forecast future data points based on historical trends. Here’s what you can do:

Let’s explore the ways to forecast data in Tableau Desktop:

• Creating a Forecast:
Users can add a forecast to a view by simply dragging a time dimension to the Columns shelf and a measure to the Rows shelf.
By right-clicking on the view and selecting “Show Forecast,” Tableau generates a forecast based on the selected model.

• Customizing Forecasts:
Forecast settings can be customized to adjust the prediction length, forecast model, and season length.
Users can access these settings through the “Forecast Options” dialog box.

• Evaluating Forecasts:
Tableau provides a forecast description that includes details about the model, prediction intervals, and underlying statistics.
This helps users understand the reliability and accuracy of their forecasts.

• Visualizing Forecasts:
Forecasts are visualized as shaded areas or lines on the chart, making it easy to compare predicted values with actual data.

2. Bringing R/Python Calculations into Tableau

Integrating R and Python into Tableau Desktop enhances its analytical capabilities, allowing users to perform complex statistical analysis and machine learning tasks. Users can create calculated fields using MODEL calculations, or by using SCRIPT functions that include R or Python scripts to perform custom calculations. These scripts can be used for various purposes, such as regression analysis, clustering, and predictive modeling. Tableau connects to R using Rserve and to Python using TabPy.

3. How to Do Predictive Analytics with Tableau Prep

Tableau Prep enhances your data preparation process by integrating with Einstein Discovery, Salesforce’s AI-powered analytics tool. This integration allows you to infuse your data workflows with advanced predictive capabilities.

• Einstein Discovery in Tableau
Einstein Discovery, part of Salesforce’s suite of AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools, is integrated into Tableau to provide advanced predictive analytics capabilities. In Tableau Prep, Einstein Discovery can be used to build and integrate predictive models directly within the data preparation workflow. This feature is available in Tableau Desktop as well.

• Generate predicted values by integrating R/Python in Tableau Prep
Tableau Prep allows for the integration of R and Python to perform advanced data transformations and generate predicted values.

Here’s how you can do it:

• Script Steps:

1. Tableau Prep includes a “Script” step that lets users run R or Python scripts as part of their data flow.
2. This step can be used to perform complex transformations, calculations, and predictions.

• Connecting to R/Python:

1. Similar to Tableau Desktop, Tableau Prep connects to R using Rserve and to Python using TabPy.
2. Users need to set up these servers and connect them to Tableau Prep to execute scripts.

• Implementing Predictive Models:

1. Users can import trained models from R or Python into Tableau Prep.
2. The “Script” step allows these models to be applied to the data, generating predicted values as part of the data preparation process.

• Dynamic Data Preparation:

1. Using R and Python, users can create dynamic and flexible data preparation workflows that include predictive analytics.
2. This enhances the overall data preparation process by integrating advanced analytical techniques.

Real-life Scenarios/ Use cases of Predictive Analytics

Predictive analytics can be applied in numerous business scenarios to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Here are some real-life examples:

1. Customer Churn Prediction:

• Scenario: A telecom company wants to reduce the number of customers leaving for competitors.
• Application: By analyzing customer usage patterns, support interactions, and billing history, the company can predict which customers are at risk of churning and take proactive measures, such as targeted promotions or personalized outreach.

2. Fraud Detection:

• Scenario: A financial institution wants to identify fraudulent transactions.
• Application: By examining transaction histories, user behavior, and other data points, predictive models can flag suspicious activities in real-time, allowing for immediate investigation and action.

3. Sales Forecasting:

• Scenario: A manufacturing company needs to predict future sales to plan production and manage resources.
• Application: Leveraging past sales data, market trends, and economic indicators, the company can generate accurate sales forecasts to inform production schedules and supply chain management.

4. Marketing Campaign Optimization:

• Scenario: A marketing team wants to improve the effectiveness of their campaigns.
• Application: Predictive analytics can help segment customers based on their likelihood to respond to different types of campaigns, enabling more targeted and effective marketing efforts.

5. Risk Management:

• Scenario: An insurance company needs to assess risk for new policy applicants.
• Application: By analyzing historical claims data and applicant information, the company can predict the likelihood of future claims and set premiums accordingly.

Tableau offers a powerful platform for integrating predictive analytics into your data strategy. With its robust forecasting capabilities, seamless integration with R and Python, and advanced features in both Tableau Desktop and Tableau Prep, you can transform raw data into actionable insights. Whether you are aiming to predict future trends, optimize operations, or make data-driven decisions, Tableau equips you with the tools needed to gain the full potential of your data. To know more, connect with us: https://www.beinex.com/tableau-beinex