Simply put, Data Analytics is looking at random bits of facts and figure and putting them all together in an understandable manner. The techniques that data analysts use optimize information and uncover trends, metrics, and statistics that would have otherwise been lost in the huge amount of data. With these, businesses can formulate better strategies and plans to help improve their operations.

The field is generally divided into four different types, the first one being Descriptive Analytics, which shows what occurred over a specific period. On the other hand, Diagnostic Analytics focuses more on the “why” or the reasons behind a particular event. Analysts in this field are usually required to use the data they find to make hypotheses and postulations. Predictive Analytics, as the name suggests, makes forecasts on what events and occurrences are likely to happen based on the given data. Lastly, Prescriptive Analytics suggests a plan of action that a business can take.