Virtually every organization today has more information about its business environment than ever before. However, the basis of competition has shifted from simply having information to using it effectively and ;out-thinking-; competitors. Some firms have used limited analytical tools for decades, but the frontier for what decisions can and should be made analytically has shifted dramatically over the past several years. Certain high performance businesses are now competing by building a distinctive capability to transform data into insights into results. These companies and organizations have made analytics sophisticated quantitative and statistical analysis and predictive modeling their secret strategic weapon. They are using the tools to select the best customers and offer them the right price, to accelerate product innovation, to optimize and adapt supply chains, and to understand the drivers of financial performance. These organizations are being led by executives who have an understanding of analytics and how to apply them for better performance. Written for managers and executives, this book will not only describe the current landscape of analytics but also show readers how to implement and benefit from it in their own companies.