The NCT provides a structured way to compare humanitarian needs, impacts and vulnerabilities across geographic areas and sectors, combining data on different aspects of the crisis and from different sources together in a consistent way. The resulting heat maps provide an easy-to-understand overview of how needs vary, and these can inform (not replace) the needs analysis component of the HNO and the prioritization discussions of the HRP. Normally the task of collecting data and preparing the NCT analysis is the responsibility of OCHA IMOs.
Recommended reading on Needs Comparison Tools for IMOs