WhatifAnalyse

WhatifAnalyse is a software framework designed for what-if analysis, enabling analysts to explore how variations in input variables propagate through mathematical, statistical, or data-driven models. It provides a structured approach to scenario analysis, sensitivity testing, and risk assessment by organizing hypothetical cases into scenarios, performing parameter sweeps, and comparing outcomes.

The tool typically supports model import from common formats (spreadsheets, data tables, and scripting environments), a scenario manager to define and store alternative assumptions, and an analysis engine to run deterministic or stochastic simulations. Outputs include summary statistics, charts illustrating sensitivity (such as tornado or spider charts), and exportable reports. Many implementations offer a scripting layer for automation and integration with data pipelines.

WhatifAnalyse is used across domains such as finance for budgeting and forecasting under uncertainty, operations research for supply chain and capacity planning, engineering for design feasibility under varying conditions, and policy analysis where scenarios reflect different assumptions about behavior or costs.

In terms of development, WhatifAnalyse embodies principles of scenario-based planning and sensitivity analysis, often featuring modular architectures that allow plug-and-play model components and interoperability with analytics ecosystems. Some variants emphasize interactive exploration for decision-makers, while others focus on reproducible analyses and audit trails.