The SPA treatment

The SQL performance analyzer allows the DBA to define the SQL Tuning set (the STS), as a source for the test (usually using historical SQL from the AWR tables). The SPA receives one or more SQL statements as input (via the SPA), and provides advice on which tuning conditions have the best execution plans, gives the proof for the advice, shows an estimated performance benefit, and allegedly has a facility to automatically implement changes that are more than 3x faster than the "before" condition".