Certified Professional Category Analyst (CPCA) Practice Questions 2025 – All-In-One Guide to Exam Success

Trended scanner data is not recommended for evaluating seasonality because it may not capture the full spectrum of seasonal fluctuations effectively. Seasonality is typically analyzed using data that reflects periodic patterns over specific intervals, such as monthly or quarterly sales data, to identify consistent trends that occur at the same time each year. Trended scanner data, while useful for tracking sales over time, can be influenced by various factors, including promotions, market changes, and consumer behavior, which might obscure the true seasonal patterns.

When evaluating seasonality, analysts often prefer data that is less influenced by these anomalies and can provide clearer insights into how seasonal factors impact sales. Data that includes historical sales figures segmented by time periods aligns more closely with traditional methods of seasonality analysis, allowing for better forecasting and planning. This makes it less effective to rely solely on trended scanner data in isolation for understanding seasonal trends.