Minitab

{{short description|Statistics software}} {{more footnotes needed|date=March 2021}} {{Infobox software | name = Minitab | logo = Minitab Logo.svg | screenshot = | caption = | author = Barbara F. Ryan, Thomas A. Ryan, Jr., and Brian L. Joiner | developer = Minitab, LLC | released = {{Start date|1972}} | latest_release_version = 22.1 | latest_release_date = {{Start date and age|2024|03|20}} | operating_system = Windows, web app, formerly: Mac<ref name=supportpolicy>{{Cite web|title=Support Policy {{!}} Minitab|url=https://www.minitab.com/en-us/support/policy/|access-date=2021-06-27|website=www.minitab.com}}</ref> | genre = Statistical analysis | license = Trialware | website = {{URL|https://minitab.com}} }} '''Minitab''' is a software company that develops statistical analysis and process improvement software. Developed at the Pennsylvania State University by researchers Barbara F. Ryan, Thomas A. Ryan, Jr., and Brian L. Joiner in conjunction with Triola Statistics Company in 1972, the company has expanded into a global provider of analytics solutions used in manufacturing, hospitality, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, education, and other sectors.

== History ==

During the 1990s, the software became associated with Six Sigma and other structured quality improvement initiatives, and it has been used in university courses related to Lean Six Sigma and quality engineering.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lean Six Sigma Black Belt leverages data analytics tools to drive change |url=https://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/article/lean-six-sigma-black-belt-leverages-data-analytics-tools-drive-change}}</ref> Minitab is distributed by Minitab, LLC, a privately owned company headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=About Us {{!}} Minitab|url=https://www.minitab.com/en-us/about-us/|access-date=2021-02-16|website=www.minitab.com}}</ref> As of 2026, Minitab LLC had subsidiaries in the Netherlands, UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and Australia.<ref name=":0" /><ref>https://www.minitab.com/en-us/company/press-releases/minitab-expands-in-the-eu-and-opens-new-subsidiary-in-the-nether/ https://www.minitab.com/en-us/company/press-releases/minitab-opens-new-subsidiary-office-japan/ </ref>

== Industry and academic use == Minitab software is commonly used in quality engineering, industrial statistics, and Six Sigma initiatives. Its integration into Lean Six Sigma programs and engineering curricula reflects its continued use in academic and professional training.<ref>{{cite web |title=Lean Six Sigma Black Belt leverages data analytics tools to drive change |url=https://www.mcgill.ca/desautels/article/lean-six-sigma-black-belt-leverages-data-analytics-tools-drive-change}}</ref>

== Products == Minitab’s primary product is Minitab Statistical Software and the Minitab Solution Center, a cloud-based platform that provides centralized access to the company's statistical analysis, data preparation, visualization, and process improvement tools.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab launches Solution Center to unify analytics and improvement tools |url=https://metrology.news/minitab-launches-solution-center-to-unify-analytics-and-improvement-tools/}}</ref> The platform consolidates multiple analytics applications within a unified environment intended to support problem-solving workflows from idea generation to data analysis and dashboard visualization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Solution Center |url=https://dbr.donga.com/kfocus/view/en/article_no/290}}</ref>

The software includes statistical capabilities such as hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA), statistical process control (SPC), and design of experiments (DOE).

Through internal development and acquisitions, Minitab has expanded its product ecosystem to include predictive analytics, discrete-event simulation, real-time manufacturing data integration, and advanced experimental optimization tools.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab launches Solution Center to unify analytics and improvement tools |url=https://metrology.news/minitab-launches-solution-center-to-unify-analytics-and-improvement-tools/}}</ref>

== Expansion and acquisitions == Beginning in the 2010s, Minitab expanded beyond traditional desktop statistical software through acquisitions intended to broaden its analytics capabilities.

In 2017, Minitab acquired Salford Systems, a predictive analytics company known for implementing decision tree methodologies including CART and Random forest algorithms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Acquires Data Mining Veteran Salford Systems |url=https://www.cdpinstitute.org/news/minitab-acquires-data-mining-veteran-salford-systems/}}</ref>

In December 2024, Minitab acquired Simul8 Corporation, a Scotland-based developer of discrete-event simulation software.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Acquires SIMUL8 |url=https://www.citybiz.co/article/633714/minitab-acquires-simul8/}}</ref> The software is used to model operational systems such as manufacturing processes, healthcare delivery systems, and service workflows.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manufacturing’s biggest hidden cost and how simulation fixes it |url=https://www.manmonthly.com.au/layout-manufacturings-biggest-hidden-cost-and-how-simulation-fixes-it/}}</ref>

In 2025, the company acquired Prolink Software, which develops automated quality data collection systems that connect inspection and measurement devices directly to statistical process control platforms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prolink transforming quality on the shop floor |url=https://www.manmonthly.com.au/prolink-transforming-quality-on-the-shop-floor/}}</ref>

In 2026, Minitab acquired Scytec, whose DataXchange platform collects real-time operational data from industrial equipment including CNC machines, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and robotic systems.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab acquires Scytec to expand real-time manufacturing data collection |url=https://www.qualitydigest.com/inside/manufacturing-news/minitab-acquires-scytec-expand-real-time-manufacturing-data-collection}}</ref>

Also in 2026, Minitab acquired Effex, a software platform focused on modern design of experiments (DOE). Effex includes a catalog of experimental designs and uses algorithmic and artificial intelligence-assisted methods to generate optimized experimental plans.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab expands DOE capabilities with acquisition of Effex optimization platform |url=https://metrology.news/minitab-expands-doe-capabilities-with-acquisition-of-effex-optimization-platform/}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab acquires Effex to advance modern design of experiments using a proprietary design catalog and artificial intelligence |url=https://www.foodandbeveragetimes.com/article/893044663-minitab-acquires-effex-to-advance-modern-design-of-experiments-using-a-proprietary-design-catalog-and-artificial-intelligence}}</ref>

== Artificial intelligence features == Minitab has introduced features intended to assist users in selecting statistical methods and interpreting analytical output. In 2015, the company introduced an "Analysis Assistant" feature designed to guide users in choosing appropriate statistical tests and understanding results.

Later versions of the software added an AI-based assistant that provides natural-language explanations of statistical output produced within the software environment.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Solution Center |url=https://dbr.donga.com/kfocus/view/en/article_no/290}}</ref> According to company documentation, these features generate explanations based on validated analytical results produced by the software rather than independent generative outputs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Solution Center |url=https://dbr.donga.com/kfocus/view/en/article_no/290}}</ref>

== International operations == Minitab LLC is headquartered in State College, Pennsylvania, United States.<ref name="us_contact">{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/en-us/company/contact-us/}}</ref> The company also maintains a U.S. office in Chicago, Illinois.<ref name="us_contact"/>

International offices include locations in Coventry, United Kingdom;<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/en-gb/company/contact-us/}}</ref> Paris, France;<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/fr-fr/company/contact-us/}}</ref> Munich, Germany;<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/de-de/company/contact-us/}}</ref> Hilversum, Netherlands;<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/nl-nl/company/contact-us/}}</ref> Hong Kong;<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/zh-hk/company/contact-us/}}</ref> and Sydney, Australia.<ref>{{cite web |title=Contact Us |url=https://www.minitab.com/en-au/company/contact-us/}}</ref>

In 2024, the company opened a subsidiary and office in Tokyo, Japan, expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Opens New Subsidiary and Office in Japan |url=https://www.citybiz.co/article/538335/minitab-opens-new-subsidiary-and-office-in-japan/}}</ref>

Trade publications have reported on the company's involvement in analytics applications within manufacturing and mining sectors.<ref>{{cite web |title=Why data-driven mining operations are the future |url=https://www.australianmining.com.au/why-data-driven-mining-operations-are-the-future/}}</ref>

== Recognition == In 2025, Minitab received the Manufacturing Today Manufacturing Supplier Innovation Award in the category of Most Innovative Quality Control and Assurance Solution.<ref>{{cite web |title=Manufacturing Today Awards US 2025 |url=https://manufacturing-today.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/11/MT-Awards-US-25-SPREADS.pdf}}</ref>

Also in 2025, the company was included in the Great Place to Work annual ranking.<ref>{{cite web |title=Great Place to Work Certification |url=https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certified-company/1001507}}</ref>

In 2026, Minitab Statistical Software was ranked among the Top 50 Best Data Analytics Software Products in G2’s Best Software Awards, based on user ratings and reviews on the G2 marketplace.<ref>{{cite web |title=G2 Best Software Awards: Top Analytics Software |url=https://www.g2.com/best-software-companies/top-analytics}}</ref>

The company was also included in the 2026 Training MVP Awards rankings, which recognize organizations providing employer-sponsored workforce training and development programs.<ref>{{cite web |title=2026 Training MVP Awards Rankings |url=https://trainingmag.com/2026-training-mvp-awards-rankings/}}</ref>

Minitab has also been featured in regional technology coverage, including Built In Chicago.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Company Profile |url=https://www.builtinchicago.org/company/minitab}}</ref>

== Leadership == Jeffrey T. Slovin serves as chief executive officer of Minitab.<ref>{{cite web |title=Minitab Acquires SIMUL8 |url=https://www.citybiz.co/article/633714/minitab-acquires-simul8/}}</ref>

== References == {{Reflist}}

== Further reading == * "[https://web.archive.org/web/20140625005101/http://www.minitab.com/en-us/products/minitab/features/ Minitab Statistical Software Features – Minitab]." Software for Statistics, Process Improvement, Six Sigma, Quality – Minitab. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2011. * Groebner, David F., Mark L. Berenson, David M. Levine, Timothy C. Krehbiel, and Hang Lau. Applied management statistics. Custom ed. Boston, MA: Pearson Custom Publishing/Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2008. Print * Akers, Michael D (2018), Exploring, Analysing and Interpreting Data with Minitab 18 (1st ed.), United Kingdom, Compass Publishing. {{ISBN|978-1-912009-19-0}} * {{cite book |last=Brook |first=Quentin |title=Lean Six Sigma and Minitab: The Complete Toolbox Guide for All Lean Six Sigma Practitioners |location=United Kingdom |publisher=OPEX Resources Ltd |year=2010 |edition=3rd |isbn=978-0-9546813-6-4}} * {{cite book |first1=Alan |last1=Bryman |first2=Duncan |last2=Cramer |title=Quantitative Data Analysis with Minitab: A Guide for Social Scientists |location=London |publisher=Routledge |year=1996 |isbn=0-415-12323-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UFsVBegb-0kC }} * {{cite book |last=Hardwick|first=Colin |title=Practical Design of Experiments: DoE Made Easy!|location=United Kingdom |publisher=Liberation Books Ltd| year=2013 |edition=1st |isbn =978-1-4827-6099-6}} * {{cite book|last1=Khan|first1=Rehman M.|title=Problem solving and data analysis using Minitab : a clear and easy guide to Six Sigma methodology|date=2013|publisher=Wiley|location=New York|isbn=978-1-118-30757-1|edition=1st}} * {{cite book |last=Meyer |first=Ruth K. |author2=David D. Krueger |title=A Minitab Guide to Statistics |location=Upper Saddle River, NJ |publisher=Prentice-Hall Publishing |year=2004 |edition=3rd |isbn=978-0-13-149272-1}} * {{cite journal |first1=Philip G. |last1=Stein |first2=James R. |last2=Matey |first3=Karen |last3=Pitts |title=A Review of Statistical Software for the Apple Macintosh |journal=The American Statistician |volume=51 |issue=1 |pages=67–82 |year=1997 |doi=10.1080/00031305.1997.10473593 }} * {{cite web |url=http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/d/m/dmr/minitab/mtbtutor.htm |title=Minitab resource website |last=Roberts |first=Dennis |publisher=Penn State |access-date=2008-08-27 |archive-date=2012-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120806014952/http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/d/m/dmr/minitab/mtbtutor.htm |url-status=dead }}

== External links == * {{Official}}

Category:Statistical software Category:Pennsylvania State University Category:Proprietary software Category:Windows-only software