CATS: Cognitive Analytic Trail System

Analytic systems provide insights to decision makers based on data. Conclusion quality depends on the input data and the reasoning steps made by analysts during exploration. This paper presents CATS, a system able to: (i) Store and leverage information about analytical processes conducted by analysts; (ii) Improve the quality and confidence on analytical reports, by improving how well analysts recall their activities; (iii) Provide ways of comparing different analytical reports; (iv) Help with the dissemination of best practices within analytical teams; (v) Produce the provenance of analytical reports. The use of CATS is illustrated through an example of tracking the work in WISE (Weather InSights Environment) a real tool that combines forecast and observed environmental data to provide an integrated platform to make informed decisions.