Presents an approach to be taken when using packaged statistical programs for the evaluation of multivariate data, in particular those programs designed for clustering, classification, and discriminate purposes. A systematic step-by-step appraoch is outlined starting with these steps which should be conducted in order to assure that the assumptions underlying the statistical analyses are satisfied. The use of various methods and computational options in cluster, classification, and discriminate analysis is then discussed. Finally the need for an assessment of the results in view of the overall knowledge of the problem is pointed out. Examples in geology and archaeology are given, in particular provenance studies.