Producing predictive analytics involving Machine Learning (ML) has a two-step approach: constructing a model followed by tweaking it to enhance accuracy. Repeatedly adjusting the model leads to the final version, which is deployed. This piece delves into methods for harnessing the full potential of predictive analytics backed by ML to extract valuable insights.
Examining Machine Learning for Predictive Analytics
Using predictive analytics is a valuable means of projecting future results, such as a corporation’s projected quarterly revenues and earnings. It helps organisations obtain ideas about their probable performance and make smart decisions about their tomorrow. Predictive analytics uses past patterns and current data to establish a dependable forecast of upcoming events. Companies utilise this information to effectively manage their resources, reduce risks, and increase profits.
To achieve precise future sales projections, having records of prior sales data is crucial. It is utilised to create a training database for a machine learning model, which demands clean and structured information obtained through descriptive analytics. Combining these datasets result in a robust and comprehensive database, subsequently used to construct a credible predictive model.
After developing the model, it is possible to obtain predictions about future sales in the upcoming months. These projections are then matched with genuine sales volume and financial profit to assess whether the projected figures are met or exceeded. It’s important to acknowledge possible deviations between the projected and real-world results. In order to optimise the model’s predictive capacity, some constraints in the model might require tweaking.
Diverse Analytical Techniques and their Types
Descriptive, diagnostic, predictive, and prescriptive analytics are four distinct analytical methods.
- Descriptive statistics concerns the arrangement, interrelation, summarisation, and visualisation of datasets, to identify trends.
- Diagnostic analytics concentrates on exploring the connections between causes and consequences. Examining the reasons why sales increase or decrease is an example of this technique.
- Predictive analytics involving the application of machine learning and statistical algorithms to forecast future occurrences or outcomes that are unknown is a critical aspect of projection. Employing this technique allows for more accurate predictions, enabling individuals and organisations to make well-informed decisions.
- Prescriptive analytics utilise descriptive and prescriptive data to guide decision-making.
An extensive amount of data could exist in numerous contexts. Nevertheless, robots lack the ability to perform specific tasks at this time. Current computer systems instead use learnt knowledge gathered from data to make assumptions about new, unfamiliar data, referred to as “machine learning”. For instance, to assess employee turnover rate, machine learning is employed to train models using past data and to anticipate future situations such as a staff member’s intention to resign.
When writing individual codes for all possible variations of a given scenario becomes impractical, Machine Learning (ML) presents a feasible solution. For instance, deciding if uploaded videos on a sharing website are suitable for juveniles or assessing potential genres for a show. With millions of videos being uploaded daily, it’s impossible to analyse each one manually. ML’s algorithms come in handy as they can process massive amounts of structured (data in rows and columns) and unstructured (pictures, videos, text with emoticons, and others) data.
Guidelines for Making Predictive Analytical Decisions with Machine Learning
ML-based predictive analytics involves eight distinct processes.
Begin by identifying the Problem
The first step is to obtain an understanding of the current situation and the specific limits involved, and then choose the most fitting datasets for predictive analytics.
For instance: A close-by grocery store offers a great chance to predict sales for the next six months. We will employ a dataset which comprises of five years of grocery sales archives, alongside associated revenue statistics. Analysing historical trends and patterns from this data will enable us to make informed predictions about future sales.
Step 2: Data Collection
To make use of machine learning for predictive analytics, it’s crucial to identify the required type of data. Additionally, it’s essential to confirm the credibility of the stored information to ensure its dependability.
As a component of our research, we’ve asked the accountant at a grocery store to provide us with historical sales data in an electronic format, like worksheets or billing software. Our interest is solely in data from the previous five years.
Step 3: Data Cleaning
Before applying a model for predictive analytics, it’s necessary to preprocess the acquired raw data to eliminate any inaccuracies, duplicates, and absent information, since this type of data is inadequate for modelling. Preprocessing includes cleansing a dataset by eliminating any superfluous or irrelevant data.
Step 4: Perform an Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
To perform Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA) effectively, it’s essential to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the dataset to identify any patterns, outliers or previously validated assumptions. By leveraging data visualisation techniques, a deeper understanding of the core features of the data can be gained.
Develop a Forecasting Model (Step 5)
In Step 4, we leverage the data that was cleansed and organised in Step 3 to discover patterns and construct a predictive statistical machine learning model. This model delivers potent predictive analytics features, allowing us to forecast the future of our grocery store business with accuracy. Furthermore, this model can be used with several programming languages, not just MATLAB, thus making it highly flexible.
Assessing the Existence of a Hypothesis
Employing a traditional statistical model permits the investigation of hypotheses. An assessment can be made for the null hypothesis and its alternative. Not rejecting the null hypothesis is the alternative to rejecting it.
For instance: Suppose a customer buys one bar of soap and, as part of the newly launched “buy one, get one free” campaign, receives one of our new face washes free of charge. To demonstrate the program’s worth, we’ll consider the two cases outlined below:
Scenario 1: The sales of soap did not experience an increase as a result of the initiative.
Scenario 2: The sales of soap increased after implementing the program.
In the first scenario, if there is no dissimilarity in the outcomes, then we cannot renounce the null hypothesis. As for the second scenario, we must declare that the null hypothesis is untrue.
Step 6: Validate the Model’s Accuracy
At this point, it is crucial to assess the model’s efficacy by deploying it on data that hasn’t been seen before. Based on how accurate the model’s forecasts are, we can determine the extent of the refinement and evaluation needed.
Step 7: Implement the Model in Real-world Scenarios
By deploying the model to a cloud-based computing platform, users can access and apply the model in practical situations. Users can provide real-time inputs through this platform, and the model will generate predictions accordingly.
Step 8: Assess the Model’s Performance
It is crucial to assess the effectiveness of the model before it is implemented in practical situations. In machine learning, “model monitoring” involves tracking how the model performs when it encounters real-world data. If it is discovered that the model requires reconfiguration and the data set needs to be expanded, the necessary adjustments can be made, and the system can be redeployed. Click here to find out more about predictive models.
Machine Learning’s Role in Predictive Analytics
The application of machine learning algorithms has enabled significant advancements in predictive analytics. The following eight examples showcase the progress made through the implementation of these algorithms.
E-commerce and Retail
The implementation of Machine Learning in Predictive Analytics has enabled businesses to gain a better grasp of consumers’ preferences. This is achieved by analysing the frequency with which a particular product is clicked on an online platform. For instance, an online store that a customer purchased a t-shirt from may suggest similar t-shirts to the customer when they revisit the website. This could lead to customers purchasing a bundle of items at a discounted rate, which is beneficial for retailers as it can result in better customer retention. Predictive Analytics is also useful in inventory management, as it allows suppliers to be notified of potential stockouts before they occur.
Client Assistance
Predictive analytics offers invaluable insights that can be utilised to divide customers into distinct groups with shared characteristics. For instance, customers could be segmented into groups such as those who purchase t-shirts and those who purchase books. By analysing the characteristics of each group, companies can create customised marketing strategies that cater to the needs and behaviours of each subset. Click here for more information about using personality tests when recruiting new team members.
Using machine learning technology in predictive analytics can be incredibly advantageous in detecting customer dissatisfaction and devising strategies customised to encourage customer loyalty and attract new customers. Through the use of machine learning, organisations can gain a more comprehensive comprehension of their customer base and develop appropriate solutions to meet customer needs.
Medical Diagnosis Process
When diagnosing patients, incorporating machine learning models trained on broad and diverse datasets can yield a more comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and result in quicker, more accurate diagnoses. Additionally, predictive analytics can be employed to recognise factors that have previously resulted in hospital readmissions, enabling healthcare providers to improve the quality of care they provide.
With predictive analytics, hospitals can better prepare for potential surges in patient volume, such as during the current COVID-19 pandemic. By examining historical data and current trends, hospitals can gain a better understanding of their projected patient load in the upcoming weeks and months. This knowledge can aid them in anticipating the need for additional hospital beds and staff members to provide high-quality care to those in need. For example, if hospitals are aware of the projected number of COVID-19 cases in the following month and an expected surge in the number of severely infected patients, they can potentially improve their capacity to manage the situation.
Advertising and Promotion Strategies
Incorporating predictive analytics can assist companies in better anticipating the requirements of their target audience by analysing historical data related to consumer behaviour and market trends. By structuring their sales and marketing activities as a data-driven process, businesses can potentially accomplish their objectives more efficiently. Additionally, by utilising demand forecasting, organisations can potentially gain an understanding of the projected demand for particular products.
Banking and Insurance Sector
The financial services industry can significantly advantage from the deployment of predictive analytics fuelled by machine learning to detect fraudulent behaviour. By employing datasets, these algorithms are trained to recognise patterns related to fraudulent transactions, enabling the construction of models that can efficiently anticipate and safeguard against potential fraudulent activities.
Cybersecurity
The integration of machine learning techniques enables real-time web traffic analysis. Utilising advanced statistical methods of predictive analytics, it can potentially recognise abnormal patterns and predict potential cyberattacks. This diminishes the requirement for manual effort while also allowing for the automatic collection and analysis of data regarding the attack, providing valuable insights for decision-makers.
Manufacturing
Machine learning and predictive analytics can be employed by manufacturers to monitor their machinery, notifying them of any prospective breakdowns before they happen. Additionally, they can potentially anticipate market changes, lower the risk of accidents, improve their key performance indicators, and ultimately enhance the quality of their manufacturing processes.
Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS)
Utilising predictive analytics and machine learning, the Human Resources (HR) department can track and monitor employee turnover rate. By analysing datasets that contain details regarding an employee’s compensation, perks, and other financial factors, these models can be trained to comprehend why employees have chosen to depart from their positions. Once trained, the models can offer HR an informed prediction as to whether or not they can expect a high turnover rate among recent hires.
The integration of software solutions that include predictive analytics and machine learning (ML) has facilitated a more efficient one-click forecasting process. Nonetheless, several obstacles must be overcome to completely realise the potential of this technology. These challenges include the requirement to upgrade to the latest ML algorithms as technology evolves, the high cost of predictive analytics software and data processing, the difficulty in finding proficient professionals to build predictive models, and the significant time and effort needed to prepare and analyse the relevant datasets. Overcoming the above challenges is necessary to fully benefit from this technology.
