How can users conduct a 'what-if analysis' in Oracle Analytics?

Users can conduct a 'what-if analysis' in Oracle Analytics by adjusting variables to evaluate potential outcomes. This type of analysis allows users to explore different scenarios and determine how changes in specific inputs can impact results. For example, a user might vary sales prices, costs, or marketing spend to see how these changes would affect overall profitability or customer acquisition. This helps in strategic planning and decision-making processes by providing insights based on hypothetical situations.

The essence of 'what-if analysis' lies in its ability to enable users to model and predict outcomes based on different assumptions or projections. By systematically altering inputs and observing the changes in outputs, users gain a clearer understanding of the relationships within their data and can make more informed decisions. This functionality is particularly valuable in forecasting and scenario planning where understanding the impact of various factors is crucial.

In contrast, generating random data for simulations does not provide a structured approach for assessing real-world scenarios and may lead to less actionable insights. Creating complex datasets from scratch is more about data preparation and sourcing rather than analysis itself. Running pre-defined reports limits flexibility and exploration, as it lacks the interactive component that 'what-if analysis' offers. Therefore, adjusting variables to evaluate potential outcomes is the most effective approach for conducting comprehensive and insightful analyses in Oracle