What is an ad hoc analysis?
Ad hoc analysis refers to a needs-based evaluation of company data to answer specific questions that are not covered by standard reports. Its purpose is to help business users make informed decisions in a timely manner by exploring data beyond the limits of static reports.
Difference to standard reports
In contrast to a standard report, which provides routine, recurring evaluations, ad hoc analysis is flexible and situation-specific. It answers specific questions that go beyond the scope of a standard report and thus provides valuable insights that can guide data-driven decisions.
Significance for companies
Ad hoc analyses are an essential tool for reacting quickly to changing situations. They allow you to explore data more deeply and identify patterns, trends, and deviations that could be overlooked in static reports. This enables fast, well-founded decisions based on relevant data and insights generated through the analysis process.
The relevance of ad hoc analyses
In dynamic business environments, the ability to react quickly to new situations and challenges is crucial. This is where ad hoc analysis helps. It addresses the problem of promptly answering specific, often unforeseen questions that cannot be covered by standardized reports, helping businesses remain agile.
Situational application
A typical example is an unexpected sales fluctuation. Standard reports show the deviation, but the cause remains unclear. Performing ad hoc analysis allows companies to delve deeper into the data, analyzing data to identify patterns and provide answers that support decision-making.
Application examples in various areas of the company
Ad hoc analyses are valuable in many areas of a company. In marketing, they can help to understand the impact of specific campaigns. In supply chain management, they can uncover inefficiencies in the logistics process. In the finance department, they can help identify unusual spending patterns by pulling from multiple data sources. And in sales, they can explain sudden changes in sales figures by analyzing both internal databases and external sources.
Carrying out an ad hoc analysis
The process begins with the formulation of a specific question. This is followed by the search and data analysis of relevant data using statistical methods. The conclusion of the process is the interpretation of the results and the decision-making process based on them, ensuring that the analysis process leads to actionable outcomes.
IT and technology
IT and modern technologies play a key role in performing ad hoc analysis. Tools such as Google Analytics, OLAP databases, and data platforms enable rapid processing and data visualization of large volumes of data, making it easier to extract valuable insights.
Use of data sources and big data
Access to multiple data sources is essential when conducting ad hoc analysis. Big data often comes into play here, as it provides access to extensive, diverse information. These data sources, including internal databases and external sources, can then be used to answer the specific question.
Ad hoc analysis and standard reporting
Differences
While standardized reports provide regular, ready-made reports that help monitor overall business performance, ad hoc analysis is more flexible and aims to answer specific, one-off questions. This flexibility makes it a key aspect of business intelligence.
Synergies
Both forms complement each other: while standardized reports continuously provide general business data, ad hoc analysis enables deeper insights when required. Deviations in standardized reports can be the reason to conduct ad hoc analysis for further exploration.
Ad-hoc reporting tools:
Ad-hoc reporting with Qlik, OLAP databases and Google Analytics
Various tools, including Qlik, OLAP databases, and Google Analytics, are valuable resources for performing ad hoc analysis. While OLAP databases offer the ability to perform multidimensional analyses of large amounts of data, Google Analytics offers specialized web data analyses. At the center of these tools is Qlik, a powerful data visualization and discovery application that provides an intuitive interface for ad hoc reporting and data exploration.
Practical example: Ad hoc analysis in use
Case study:
Suppose a company notices sudden deviations in sales. Standard reports can show the deviation, but the cause remains unclear. An ad hoc report is carried out to investigate the sudden drop in sales, analyzing data from both internal databases and external sources to pinpoint the issue.
Challenges, solutions and results
The challenge is to sift through the data and recognize patterns. With the help of ad hoc analysis tools, a deeper examination of the sales data is carried out. It turns out that the decline in sales is attributable to a specific product line. With these findings, the company can now take targeted measures to address the problem.
Conclusion: The power of ad hoc analysis
Ad hoc reporting plays an important role in deciphering unexpected business events and phenomena. The ability to respond to individual, situational questions and gain insights that go beyond the limits of standardized reporting is a decisive factor for your company's success. Ad hoc analyses not only enable you to find precise answers to specific questions, but also open up new perspectives and provide valuable insights. They are a source of competitive advantage in a data-driven economy by enabling deeper insight and a better understanding of business dynamics.
A look into the future
In an increasingly networked world where data volumes are constantly growing and business models are evolving, the importance of ad hoc analysis will continue to grow. The shift towards data-driven decision-making in companies is increasing the need for an analytics capability that can respond to specific business issues in a flexible, agile, and timely manner. With advances in technology and new analysis possibilities, ad hoc analyses will become even more critical, emphasizing the need to master the skills and tools required for effective ad hoc analysis.
In summary, ad hoc analyses are an essential component of successful business strategies today and in the future. They provide the ability to make informed and timely decisions in a rapidly changing business world.
