Predictive analytics is a standard tool that we utilize without much thought. Predictive analytics uses methods from data mining, statistics, machine learning, mathematical modeling, and artificial intelligence to make future predictions about unknowable events. It creates forecasts using historical data. For instance, forecasting the sales of a product (let’s say flowers) on a specific day in a market, There would be a lot more rose sales if it were Valentine’s Day! It seems evident that flower sales would be higher on special days than on typical days.
Predictive analytics seeks to identify the contributing elements, collects data, and applies machine learning, data mining, predictive modeling, and other analytical approaches to anticipate the future. Insights from the data include patterns and relationships between several aspects that may not have been understood in the past. Finding those hidden ideas is more valuable than you might realize. Predictive analytics are used by businesses to improve their operations and hit their goals. Predictive analytics can make use of both structured and unstructured data insights.
What Relationship Exists Between Predictive Analytics, Deep Learning, and Artificial Intelligence?
The study of how well computers can recognize speech or make decisions, for example, falls under the umbrella of the field of artificial intelligence, which is a branch of computer science. AI picks up knowledge by acquiring it, then applies it to new judgments. By teaching computers to reply just as well as—or better than—humans, artificial intelligence (AI) aims to identify the best answer.
It relates to employing algorithms to find and examine data patterns to forecast future events. For machine learning to identify common patterns, large datasets must be processed. Through practice, machines pick up information or skills (or data).
Deep learning is a branch of machine learning frequently used with text, audio, visual, or photographic data. Deep learning needs enormous volumes of data to understand complex operations, like differentiating an image of a bicycle from that of a motorcycle.
Advanced analytics, commonly called predictive analytics, forecasts probability and trends for the future using machine learning, statistics, and historical data. It also goes further than other machine learning methods by recommending actions that could affect the course of events in the future.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are both used in predictive analytics. In reality, an analytics tool generates a predicted score that advises end users on what steps to take. In a word, artificial intelligence is the general term for machine learning and predictive analytics.
Algorithms and models
Predictive analytics uses several methods from fields like machine learning, data mining, statistics, analysis, and modeling. Machine learning and deep learning models are two major categories of predictive algorithms. In this article, some of them are described. Despite having unique advantages and disadvantages, they all share the ability to be reused and trained using algorithms that follow criteria specific to a given industry. Data gathering, pre-processing, modeling, and deployment are all steps in the iterative process of predictive analytics that results in output. We can automate the procedure to deliver forecasts based on new data continuously fed throughout time.
Once a model is built, we may enter new data to generate predictions without repeating the training process. However, this has the drawback that it requires considerable data to train. Because predictive analytics relies on machine learning algorithms, it needs accurate data classification in labels to function correctly and accurately. The model’s inadequate ability to generalize its conclusions from one scenario to another raises concerns about generalizability. Although specific problems exist with the findings of a predictive analytics model’s applicability, these problems can sometimes be resolved using techniques like transfer learning.
Models for predictive analytics
Classification Model
One of the most straightforward models is this one. It classifies new data based on what it has discovered from the old data. Some classification techniques include Decision Trees and Support Vector Machines. They can be utilized for multiclass and binary classification by responding to binary questions such as True/False and Yes/No.
Clustering Model
A clustering model clusters data points according to their shared attributes. It is an unsupervised learning algorithm, as opposed to supervised classification. Even though there are numerous clustering algorithms, none of them can be deemed the best for all application scenarios.
Forecast Model
It deals with metric value prediction, calculating a numerical value for new data based on the lessons from prior data, and is one of the most popular predictive analytics methods. Anywhere that has access to numerical data can use it.
Outliers Model
As the name implies, it is based on the dataset’s anomalous data items. A data input error, measurement error, experimental error, data processing mistake, sample error, or natural error can all be considered outliers. Although certain outliers can lead to subpar performance and accuracy, others aid in discovering uniqueness or observing new inferences.
Time Series Model
With a time period as the input parameter, it can be applied to any series of data points. It creates a numerical metric from the historical data and then uses that meter to forecast future data.
Best predictive analytics tools and platforms
H2O Driverless AI
H2O, a relative newcomer to predictive analytics, became well-known thanks to a well-liked open source solution. The company’s H20 Driverless AI streamlines AI development and predictive analytics for professionals and citizen data scientists through open source and customized recipes. Using causal graphs, LIME, Shapley, and the decision tree surrogate approach, the organization also provides various features to make it easier to develop explainability into predictive analytics models. A few automated and enhanced features for feature engineering, model selection and parameter tuning, natural language processing, and semantic analysis are noteworthy.
IBM Watson Studio
Since its founding in 1975, SPSS has developed into one of the leading statistical and analytics programs. With IBM’s 2009 purchase of SPSS, the company became a prominent provider of predictive analytics solutions. IBM merged the critical capabilities of the vendor into its more contemporary Watson Studio running on the IBM Cloud Pak for Data platform as it continues to innovate. This streamlined offering incorporates various analytical functions, including descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive. The platform makes collaborative data science better for corporate users and simplifies predictive analytics for professional data scientists. Additionally, the platform has several features that improve responsible and comprehensible predictive models.
Microsoft Azure Machine Learning
Microsoft has long been a leader in numerous analytics capabilities through its Power BI analytics platform and Excel, which has evolved into the front end of choice for most corporate customers. The company’s Azure Machine Learning adds features for managing the whole predictive analytics lifecycle to these critical technologies. Azure Data Factory, Azure HDInsight, and Azure Data Catalog are examples of supporting technologies.
The company covers all users, from professional data scientists to corporate subject matter experts. Additionally, it offers excellent connectivity with its various RPA and application development tooling, making it simpler to integrate predictive analytics capabilities into workflows and apps.
RapidMiner Studio
To capitalize on its fundamental competencies in data mining and text mining, RapidMiner has developed a comprehensive range of predictive analytics tools. These essential characteristics make it easier to take data from a wide range of sources, clean it up, and include it in different predictive modeling workflows. The business provides paid and no-cost versions of its essential goods, enabling anyone to get started and pick up the fundamentals. Both beginners and experts can easily create predictive analytics models with RapidMiner Notebooks. Additionally, the business offers a variety of enhanced capabilities for model deployment, model development, and turbo prep (Model Ops). A new feature-sharing library makes the organization-wide sharing of predictive models simpler. When necessary, the platform also enables numerous governance and explainability elements.
SAP Predictive Analytics
SAP Predictive Analytics is a notable illustration of how corporate application platforms might expand their core products to enable predictive analytics workflows. Businesses with actual SAP deployments should consider the tool, especially if they want to develop predictive analytics for use cases in logistics, supply chain, and inventory management. The current product, which debuted in 2015, was set upon two earlier products that were first introduced in 2012. The application supports both business and advanced users through several features that facilitate data aggregation, predictive modeling, and model analysis across several user interfaces. Automated analytics makes data preparation, modeling, social graph analysis, recommendation, and forecasting easier for business users. Expert analytics aids in the exploration of various statistical methods, visualizations, and R programming applications by experts.
SAS
One of the first manufacturers of statistical analytics tools is SAS Institute. It is a clear leader in all types of analytics tools and methodologies, including predictive analytics, and has continued to invent new tools used by statisticians and data scientists. The U.S. government launched the first version of the company’s tools to better data analysis for healthcare in 1966. The business’s government contract expired in 1972 when it was formally established.
With diverse data science and machine learning workflows that use contemporary data stacks, enriched workflows, and streamlined deployment in more recent times, the organization has modernized its basic tool sets. The business offers hundreds of tools for different industries. SAS Visual Data Science, SAS Data Science Programming, SAS Visual Data Decisioning, and SAS Visual Machine Learning are the company’s core offerings for predictive analytics. To streamline the creation and implementation of predictive analytics across numerous workflows, the organization maintains strong ties with top cloud providers and enterprise software platforms.
TIBCO Statistica
With several collaboration and workflow capabilities included in the product to enable business intelligence throughout a company, TIBCO strongly emphasizes usability. This makes it a wise decision for your business if you anticipate using the tool by less experienced workers. Additionally, it interfaces with various other analytics tools, making it simple to increase its functionalities. This is the only tool on the list that explicitly highlights its IoT/embedded capabilities.
Oracle DataScience
Oracle entered the predictive analytics sector by acquiring the well-regarded startup DataScience, and since then, they have grown and developed its portfolio. The firms that use Oracle’s cloud services and the database will benefit the most from this solution.
WebFOCUS By TIBCO
Before being purchased by TIBCO, Information Builders was the previous owner of WebFOCUS. A full range of BI analytics and data management tools from TIBCO are available. These products provide predictive analytics capabilities. This can be a suitable choice if you’re looking for an end-to-end data solution. Additionally, it provides tools for both corporate users and experienced data scientists. It’s an excellent all-around choice for a business whose staff members have different levels of data experience. Pricing is only accessible upon request, like many other items on the list.
KNIME Analytics Platform
KNIME offers both an open-source and commercially supported version for its Analytics Platform solution. While still offering cutting-edge features like machine learning (ML) automation, the KNIME product is frequently seen as superficial. It also has prescriptive analytics capabilities, making it an effective tool for creating future business roadmaps.
Dataiku
The Dataiku Data Science Studio (DSS) is another excellent choice for individuals looking for a platform with robust AI collaboration capabilities. The product’s production scalability issues from the past are being addressed.
FICO Predictive Analytics
For decision management-based capabilities, the FICO Predictive Analytics platform is a wise solution, especially for businesses in the financial services industry.
Altair Datawatch Knowledge
With an agile framework and strategy emphasis, Altair’s Datawatch delivers Knowledge Studio to resolve business issues and forecast data outcomes. This tool’s user-friendly UI consistently receives acclaim from users.
Alteryx
The Alteryx Analytic Process Automation Platform specializes in no-code and low-code analytical building blocks to create repeatable workflows. The platform is for businesses who wish to offer self-service data science and analytics to all divisions. To assist citizen data workers in developing predictive models, Alteryx also leverages enhanced machine learning.
Databricks
Databricks Lakehouse offers a single data platform across cloud deployments and combines data warehousing, and AI use cases on one platform. A data lake and a data warehouse are integrated into the Lakehouse Platform. The structured transactional layer of the warehouse is constructed using the open source technology Delta Lake. The company claims its available format storage layer offers dependability, security, and performance for batch and streaming operations. It can also eliminate data silos by providing a single location for structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data.
DataRobot
All users, including data science and analytics professionals, IT and DevOps teams, executives, and information workers, can collaborate using DataRobot’s AI Cloud Platform. The platform offers trustworthy AI services, data engineering, machine learning, MLOps, and decision intelligence. The service features a no-code app builder, AI apps, and Decision Flows, which generate rules to automate decisions to support decision intelligence. Thanks to the no-code app builder, users can create an AI application using a model without writing any additional code. According to the company, this makes it simpler for business users to make AI-driven decisions.
Tableau
Tableau is a complete platform for data and analytics that incorporates APIs, security, governance, and compliance. According to the business, Tableau builds trust and confidence by creating controls, rules, and repeatable procedures for integration, access, and supervision. Services for data preparation, CRM analytics, server management, and embedded analytics are only a few of the platform’s individual components.
Sisense
According to the company, Sisense’s Fusion Platform incorporates tailored analytics into products and apps to make analytics simple and approachable. Embed, Infusion Apps, and Analytics are the three platform components used for data analysis. Customers may integrate white-labeled analytics into workflows and applications with Embed, an API-first platform.
Customers can use Infusion Apps to analyze Slack, Google Slides, Microsoft Teams, and Salesforce and ask inquiries with natural language searches. For analyzing and visualizing massive amounts of data, analytics offers code-first, low-code, and no-code alternatives in addition to self-service dashboards and apps. Additionally, the service includes ML technologies and built-in statistical and predictive analysis tools that are code-first.
AdvancedMiner
Data processing, analysis, and modeling using only one tool! Built to use predictive models. All analytical tasks are supported: data transformations, files, and database systems to which data can be extracted and saved, applying a variety of operations to information, such as dividing, combining, and sampling constructing well-known statistical models, clustering analysis, analysis of the importance of the variables, and comparison and evaluation of model quality. Thanks to the user-friendly workflow interface, you can explore all of your data and more.
Lexalytics
A software-as-a-service and service provider called Lexalytics (formerly Semantria) focuses on cloud-based text analytics and sentiment analysis. This BI/analytics application provides a simple method for decoding insightful information and sentiment analysis from significant amounts of unstructured text.
They provide a Microsoft Excel Add-in that enables businesses to use text analytics without integrating any systems. Developers can also perform direct integration using Semantria’s REST API, which supports various languages like Java,.NET, PHP, and more. Users can categorize material, create queries, extract named entities, find content themes, and calculate sentiment ratings for each of these elements.
Panoply
Panoply is a cloud-based, intelligent end-to-end data management system that streamlines data from source to analysis without using ETL. Panoply offers the tools for data integration, linking, transformation, warehousing, and more as an all-encompassing data management system. The provider asserts that Panoply provides the world’s only unified ELT and intelligent data warehouse, accelerating the transition from raw data to analytics utilizing machine learning and natural language processing.
Amazon Forecast
Machine learning is used by Amazon Forecast, a fully managed service, to produce precise forecasts. For organizations, Amazon Forecast may make accurate estimates using historical time series data (such as price, promotions, and economic performance metrics).
OpenText Magellan
OpenText Magellan is a flexible AI and analytics platform with the ability to acquire, merge, manage, and analyze Big Data and Big Content stored in your Enterprise Information Management systems. Magellan provides automation, business optimization, and machine-assisted decision-making. It combines open source machine learning with advanced analytics, enterprise-grade BI, and these capabilities.
Logi Info (Logi Analytics Platform)
A developer-grade analytics platform called Logi Info (also known as the Logi Analytics Platform) was created for application teams who must quickly develop, deploy, and support mission-critical applications. Logi helps businesses build more valuable, long-lasting apps by keeping the embedded approach. The provider concentrates on enhancing embedded analytics capabilities to increase the value of their customers’ applications more quickly. The manufacturer claims that Logi enables customers to use their current infrastructure, data, and authoring tools for data queries and visualizations.
Logi is made for application owners who have tried to create and maintain a solution that can scale to meet end users’ constantly changing analytical needs and are aware of the limitations of prepackaged analytics that don’t allow for customization.
MicroStrategy Analytics
MicroStrategy created the free MicroStrategy Analytics Desktop discovery and visualization tool, which is not entirely connected with the rest of the platform. Strong mobile and cloud capabilities from MicroStrategy set the platform apart. The cloud services provided by MicroStrategy are distinctive in that they host the software in their own data centers and let clients maintain their data on-premise to allay security worries.
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Prathamesh Ingle is a Mechanical Engineer and works as a Data Analyst. He is also an AI practitioner and certified Data Scientist with an interest in applications of AI. He is enthusiastic about exploring new technologies and advancements with their real-life applications