In-House Analytic Capabilities SWOT: Dude, Where's My Analysis?

It is an important decision for companies to decide if they are going to conduct their analytic research function in-house or through an outside agency.

Although it is very desirable to conduct all analytic research in-house, there are several factors to be considered:  

• Access to or ability to assimilate analytic talent in-house

• Ability to constantly update in-house talent with latest analytic developments and techniques

• Availability of necessary data in-house

• Cost vs. benefit of conducting analytic research in-house

• Risks from outsourcing research function

• Advantage of third-party unbiased opinion and access to industry best-practices available to external vendors