Predictive analytics uses techniques like data mining, statistics, modeling and machine learning to analyze current data and make predictions about future unknown events. It works like driving and watching the traffic to anticipate conditions and make adjustments to avoid issues and reach destinations faster and safer. Benefits include improved productivity through enhanced data gathering and decision making, as well as process improvements that can increase revenue and optimize costs. Predictive analytics also features data analysis, visualization, statistics, hypothesis testing and modeling relationships between business factors and performance to enhance organizational visibility and outcomes.