Data analytics is the process that converts raw data into valuable information that can help businesses make better decisions to drive growth and optimize performance. It is employed across a variety of industries from healthcare to retail to crime prevention.

Data scientists typically begin their careers by gaining relevant skills and experiences through an internship or apprenticeship. Data analysts must be proficient in spreadsheet software, and have an understanding of programming languages like Python, SAS, and R as well as machine learning techniques as well as database management and data visualization.

Data analysis is a nebulous field that has a wide variety of approaches. There are four steps to the process: identifying objectives and questions, collecting data, cleaning and analyzing data. The results are then presented to the relevant stakeholders, which is often done by using data visualization.

Among the more advanced forms of data analysis are cluster and time-series analysis. These techniques essentially break large data sets into smaller groups, like geographic or demographic segments, or by analyzing trends over time (e.g. the number of Instagram followers or the movie box office gross for an actress).

Data analytics offers a vast array of practical applications. Junbo Son is a researcher from the University of Delaware who has created a data analytics platform to assist asthma patients in managing their asthma by using bluetooth-enabled https://clouddatatrain.biz/what-is-data-analytics/ devices. In the business world, this kind of technology can be used to target marketing efforts, improve risk assessment and scoring in credit reports and enhance delivery logistics.