Predictive analytics and business intelligence have become some of the most important tools for businesses because of their outstanding capabilities. Most people believe that
predictive analytics is a part of business intelligence (BI), but that is not the case.
If we look at the definition of business intelligence, we can argue that predictive analytics actually falls under the umbrella of BI, but that's not entirely true. While that definition is pretty much correct for both terms, if we dig down a little deeper, we will see that there are significant differences between business intelligence and predictive analytics in both practices as well as theories.
Let’s drill down to understand the key differentiators between predictive analytics and business intelligence.
Key Differentiators: Predictive Analytics VS BI
BI seeks to answer queries like "what happens now" and "what is happening now," whereas predictive analytics tries to predict "what will happen" and provides a more practical method to assess information.
Raw data is processed into insights for direct consumer use during the
business intelligence process. With predictive analytics, unstructured data is turned into structured data that can be used to make predictions about the future.
Users can make decisions based on insights provided by business intelligence. Businesses can use predictive analytics to make decisions based on facts, data sets, and predictions.
The objective of business intelligence tools is to equip users with information about their company's historical data performance. Predictive analytics utilizes forecasting techniques to help in the solving of complex business challenges.
Business intelligence uses data visualization,
data mining, reporting, dashboards, OLAP, etc., with previous performance indicators. Predictive analytics predicts future occurrences and analyzes raw data patterns.
Ad-hoc reporting technology, alerting technology, and other technologies are covered in business intelligence. Predictive analytics includes technologies such as predictive modeling, forecasting, etc.
Use Predictive Analytics in Business Intelligence to Optimize Marketing Efforts
Businesses now have a plethora of information about their customers’ and target audience's purchasing patterns and preferences, all thanks to
business intelligence insights. With all of this information, predictive analytics can determine the possibility of a consumer purchasing a product, allowing businesses to target their marketing efforts on customers who are more likely to purchase their items. Businesses that employ predictive analytics and business intelligence solutions can constantly remain one step ahead of their competition.
Summing Up
At times, the sheer variety of tools available can be intimidating, and misinformation can sometimes hamper the selection process of technology. Business intelligence and predictive analytics are two of the most productive technologies in the market, but when combined, they can do wonders for businesses.