Introduction

This guide describes how to use the current release of the following Oracle products:

Unless otherwise noted, when this guide refers to Crystal Ball, the information applies to all versions.

Crystal Ball is a graphically oriented forecasting and risk analysis program that takes the uncertainty out of decision-making. It can help you answer questions such as, “Will we stay under budget if we build this facility?” or, “What are the chances this project will finish on time?” or, “How likely are we to achieve this level of profitability?”

Unlike other forecasting and risk analysis programs, you do not have to learn unfamiliar formats or special modeling languages. To get started, all you have to do is create a spreadsheet. From there, this manual guides you step by step, explaining Crystal Ball terms, procedures, and results.

And you do get results from Crystal Ball. Through a technique known as Monte Carlo simulation, Crystal Ball forecasts the entire range of results possible for a given situation. It also shows you confidence levels, so you will know the likelihood of any specific event taking place.