Fill in the Blanks Predictive Analytics Online version Predictive Analytics by Ray Larkin 1 credit forecasting estimates Predictive trends purchasing stock future 100% end probabilities analytics relates to the ability to " predict " what might happen . These analytics are about understanding the . Predictive analytics provides companies with important insights based on data . Predictive analytics provides about the likelihood of a future outcome . It is important to remember that no statistical algorithm can " predict " the future with certainty . Companies use these statistics to forecast what might happen in the future . This is because the foundation of predictive analytics is based on . These statistics try to take the data that you have , and fill in the missing data with best guesses . They combine historical data found in the company's data systems to identify patterns in the data and apply statistical models and algorithms to capture relationships between various data sets . Companies use predictive statistics and analytics anytime they want to look into the future . Predictive analytics can be used throughout the organization , from customer behavior and patterns to identifying in sales activities . They also help forecast demand for inputs from the supply chain , operations and local stock . One common application most people are familiar with is the use of predictive analytics to produce a score . These scores are used by financial services to determine the probability of customers making future credit payments on time . Typical business uses include understanding how sales might close at the of the year , predicting what items customers will purchase together , or forecasting levels .