A computer-implemented method of categorizing a customer includes steps of
selecting a measure on which the status of the customer is to be
analyzed, selecting a calculation period and selecting a comparison
method. A lifecycle factor may then be computed, the lifecycle factor
being related to both the size and the growth of the customer according
to the selected measure. Both the size and growth are determined over two
selected calculation periods using the selected comparison method.
Selected customers may then be categorized into one of a plurality of
lifecycle stages by evaluating a plurality of categorization criteria, at
least one of the plurality of categorization criteria including the
computed lifecycle factor. For example, the lifecycle stages may include
the stages of New, Growing, Stable, Declining, Defected and/or
Insignificant. The lifecycle factor may be computed by determining the
absolute value of a difference of the selected measure and by multiplying
the determined absolute value with a percentage measure growth of the
selected measure, both the difference and the percentage measure growth
being determined over two selected periods according to the selected
comparison method.