# What has Analysis Accomplished? By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-09-17 Whereas analytics is gaining prominence, it has been utilized organizationally at least since the late 1800s. After all that time it is important to ask what has analysis accomplished. The answer is complex and varied. In some respects, analysis has contributed a great deal. In terms of measuring and improving efficiency, analysis has performed remarkably well. Making sense of current [[performance]] is perhaps where analysis has made its most significant contribution. In terms of [[forecasting]], analysis has made some contributions in this area. Predictive analytic models have increased in [[complexity]]. A great deal of analytic effort is given to the development of forecasting techniques and models. This is not surprising. Being able to predict the future is advantageous. [[Life]], however, can be chaotic. Predicting the future is complicated by this fact. To the degree to which the future aligns with past variations, models can work reasonably well. When the future is a rupture from the past, forecasting models tend to break down. One never knows when the break will occur. When it does it often catches organizations off-guard. Whether for understanding the present or predicting the future analysis provides a degree of existential [[comfort]]. Being informed, even if inaccurately, facilitates a sense of control. To a degree these are the dual contributions of analytics, they inform and they enable (at least a sense of) control. Taken [[together]], these suggest analytics could aid in progress, both socially and organizationally. #### Related Items [[Analytics]] [[Predictive Analytics]] [[Existential]] [[The Jam]] [[Analysis of the Present is the Future]] [[Models]] [[Organizational Analytics]] [[Society]]