Minitab

Minitab, LLC is a global provider of data analytics, statistical software, predictive modeling and process improvement solutions. With over five decades of innovation, Minitab helps organizations analyze and manage data, automate insights, and accelerate digital transformation to achieve operational excellence.

Minitab
Original authors	Barbara F. Ryan, Thomas A. Ryan, Jr., and Brian L. Joiner
Developers	Minitab, LLC
Initial release	1972 (1972)
Stable release	22.4 / September 10, 2025; 43 days ago (2025-09-10)
Operating system	Windows, web app, Mac[1]
Type	Statistical analysis
License	Trialware
Website	minitab.com

Minitab's cloud-based, AI-powered statistical software and other analytics solutions enable businesses to improve quality, drive revenues, reduce costs, boost customer satisfaction, and increase operational effectiveness to achieve measurable return on investment (ROI) through data-driven decision-making.^[2]

Minitab was founded in 1972 at Pennsylvania State University by Barbara F. Ryan, who was a faculty member in the Department of Statistics. The software began as a simplified version of OMNITAB, a mainframe-based statistical package developed by the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST). ^[3]

History

Founding

Minitab was founded in 1972 at Pennsylvania State University by Barbara F. Ryan, who was a faculty member in the Department of Statistics. The software began as a simplified version of OMNITAB, a mainframe-based statistical package developed by the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST). ^[4]

Barbara Ryan, one of the few women in computational statistics at the time, envisioned Minitab as a tool to make statistical analysis more accessible to students and practitioners without advanced programming backgrounds.

The name Minitab reflects its original purpose — a “mini” version of OMNITAB — optimized for academic and teaching use. Early development focused on usability and teaching applications, helping instructors bring real statistical computation into classrooms during the rise of personal computing in the 1970s. ^[5]

Early Years

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Minitab gained popularity in universities and research institutions. By the late-1980s, Minitab expanded beyond academia, becoming a favorite among engineers and quality professionals during the emergence of Total Quality Management (TQM). In the early 1990s, Minitab became integral to professionals using the Six Sigma methodologies.^[6]

Since then, the company has evolved into a comprehensive analytics platform with offices and development centers across North America, Europe, and Asia, serving clients in more than 100 countries. ^[7]

Through continuous innovation, Minitab has expanded from traditional statistical analysis and data visualization to predictive analytics, machine learning, and AI-powered automation, positioning itself as a leader in enterprise-level continuous improvement and digital transformation solutions.

Global Expansion

In the 1990s, Minitab introduced its first graphical user interface, becoming the gold standard of analytical software for Six Sigma. ^[8] Since this time, Minitab’s product portfolio has evolved to meet industry demands for process improvement and data-driven decision-making.

Other historical milestones include

• Introduction of graphical capabilities for control charts, histograms, and capability analysis.
• Integration of Design of Experiments (DOE), regression, and ANOVA tools for advanced analytics.
• Development of Quality Trainer (now Education Hub), an online learning platform for statistical education.
• Launch of Minitab Express for macOS and academic use.
• Expansion into global markets, establishing offices in the United Kingdom, Nederlands, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Australia, and Japan. ^[9]

Recent Developments

Minitab transitioned into cloud-based analytics with the introduction of Minitab Statistical Software Web App, the Minitab Solution Center, and the Minitab Connect data integration platform.

As of 2019, the company’s leadership now includes Jeff Slovin, who joined as President & Chief Executive Officer and leads the Executive Management Team focused on expanding Minitab’s global reach and modernizing its product suite.^[10]

Products

Minitab Software Solutions

Minitab’s flagship product, Minitab Statistical Software, offers a comprehensive suite of tools for statistical analysis, process improvement, and data visualization. Core functionalities include:

• Descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing
• Regression and ANOVA
• Design of Experiments (DOE)
• Control charts and capability analysis
• Reliability and measurement system analysis

Minitab Workspace and Minitab Engage extend the core analytics platform into project management and problem-solving workflows.

In addition to Minitab Statistical Software, Minitab’s product portfolio spans statistical analysis, predictive analytics, process improvement, data integration, simulation, and monitoring. Below is a list of its core offerings, as of 2025. ^[11]

• Minitab Solution Center - a unified platform combining brainstorming, data analysis, automated data prep, and dashboarding tools. It brings together modules like Minitab Brainstorm, Data Center, and Dashboards to support end-to-end problem solving. It is intended to help teams identify root causes, visualize data, and track improvement work in one environment. ^[12]

• Minitab Statistical Software - the flagship product, offering a full suite of statistical tools such as hypothesis testing, ANOVA, quality tools, control charts, and more. Designed for everyone from beginners to advanced analysts, Minitab provides a robust, industry-trusted platform to analyze and interpret data. An optional Predictive Analytics Module adds automated machine learning and advanced modeling to enhance forecasting and decision-making. ^[13]
• Minitab Workspace - a visual toolset for mapping processes, brainstorming, and project planning (e.g. flowcharts, SIPOC, FMEA, value stream mapping). By providing structured visuals and templates, Workspace helps users plan, document, and standardize improvement frameworks and process designs. ^[14]
• Minitab Connect - a data integration and automation tool that enables users to access, transform, and deliver data from multiple sources. It bridges the gap between raw data and analytics by automating data preparation, dashboard refreshes, and ETL tasks. It helps organizations reduce manual work and ensure data pipelines remain up to date. ^[15]
• Minitab Engage - a continuous improvement and innovation management platform that supports the planning, execution, and tracking of initiatives. Users can submit ideas, manage projects, assign owners, and monitor KPIs and financial outcomes. It enables organizations to scale and manage improvement programs across teams. ^[16]
• Real-Time SPC - a statistical process control solution for real-time monitoring of processes. It enables continuous collection of process data (e.g. from sensors or devices) and triggers alerts when variation or drift is detected. This supports proactive quality control in manufacturing or operational environments.^[17]
• Prolink Data Collection & SPC - a connectivity and data capture tool that links measurement devices (e.g., gauges, PLCs, CMMs) directly to SPC charts and reports. It automates data flow from inspection equipment to software, reducing manual transcription errors, and accelerating insight. ^[18]
• Simul8 Discrete Event Simulation - a simulation tool that models processes and systems as discrete events (e.g. queuing, resource allocation). Users can build “digital twin” representations of workflows or factories to test scenarios, experiment with changes, and quantify impact before real-world implementation. ^[19]
• Minitab Education Hub - an e-learning environment offering self-paced learning paths, assessments, and training modules. It helps users across the gamut of analytics training from beginners to advanced users. The Minitab Education Hub supports users' statistical journeys, regardless of their expertise level, and builds their skills in using Minitab and statistical concepts, reinforcing adoption and proficiency. ^[20]
• Minitab Model Ops - a model operationalization (MLOps) solution aimed at deploying, monitoring, and governing predictive models in production. It helps users transition from analytics to live deployment, track model performance over time, manage versioning, and maintain model governance.
• SPM - standing for Salford Predictive Modeler, SPM carried the original CART, Random Forests, TreeNet, and MARS codebases from the inventors (Breiman, Friedman, Olshen, and Stone) into a commercial suite, under exclusive licenses and in direct collaboration with these inventors. Since Minitab acquired Salford Systems in 2017, these algorithms have been incorporated into the Minitab Predictive Analytics module. Minitab continues to sell and support SPM for legacy customers. Each of these products plays a complementary role in Minitab’s end-to-end data analytics and quality ecosystem, ranging from capturing raw data to modeling, deploying, monitoring, and driving process improvement. ^[21]

Unique Selling Propositions

• Intuitive interface designed for engineers and practitioners
• Integrated quality improvement and project tools
• Strong educational heritage and customer support network
• Cloud-first strategy enabling cross-platform collaboration
• Minitab tools are integral to companies pursuing operational excellence and regulatory compliance under frameworks such as ISO 9001 and FDA quality systems. ^[22]

Customer Support Resources & Educational Services

Minitab provides a wide range of professional services, educational resources, and customer support to help individuals and organizations maximize the value of their data analytics and process improvement initiatives. These offerings combine practical training, technical deployment assistance, and ongoing learning opportunities tailored to users of all experience levels. Minitab provides free worldwide customer support to all clients. This support is provided by real people with degrees in statistics and/or IT. Minitab does not provide support through automated chatbots. ^[23]

• Training & Certification - through its Education Hub, Minitab offers a library of interactive, self-paced tutorials that teach statistical concepts and software usage. These modules include videos, exercises, and assessments, allowing users to learn at their own pace. The Education Hub is widely adopted in both corporate and academic settings, providing structured learning paths and practical examples that reinforce applied statistical skills and software proficiency. Minitab also offers instructor-led courses on key topics. Courses are available in multiple formats — virtual classrooms, onsite corporate training, and public sessions — and cover topics such as Six Sigma, Design of Experiments (DOE), and data visualization. Certification programs validate users’ expertise and practical skills in applying Minitab to real-world projects. ^[24]
• Deployment Services - the company provides tailored deployment assistance to help enterprise clients implement Minitab’s software ecosystem effectively. Deployment teams assist with installation, configuration, user onboarding, and integration with existing systems and data sources. This ensures organizations achieve a smooth transition from legacy tools to cloud-based analytics and achieve consistent adoption across department. ^[25]
• Consulting Services - Minitab’s expert consultants work with organizations to design and execute improvement projects using statistical and analytical methodologies. These consulting services support Operational Excellence with a focus on Six Sigma, Lean, and other process optimization programs, enabling clients to identify cost savings, improve quality, and enhance operational performance. Engagements can range from short tactical projects to long-term enterprise transformation support. ^[26]
• Webinars & Events - Minitab hosts regular live and on-demand webinars featuring case studies, new feature demonstrations, and industry best practices. These sessions help users stay current on the latest product capabilities and data analytics trends. The company also participates in and sponsors major conferences, Lean Six Sigma summits, and quality improvement forums worldwide. ^[27]

Customers and Industries

Minitab supports over one million end-users worldwide, spanning thousands of commercial organizations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Its customers include over 90% of the Fortune 100 and most of the Fortune 500, along with a rapidly expanding base of small and mid-size businesses. ^[28]

Industries served include medical devices, automotive, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, financial services, technology, software, energy, hospitality, consumer goods, manufacturing, and education. Minitab’s tools enable clients to reduce waste, optimize production, enhance compliance, drive innovation, and deliver high-quality products and services to achieve sustainable business growth.

Publicly recognized clients featured on Minitab’s website, and case studies include 3M, Ford Motor Company, Nestlé, DuPont, Siemens, Microsoft, Apple, Procter & Gamble, Nike, IBM, Samsung, Crayola, Medtronic, Takeda, and Toyota, among many others. ^[29]

Market Share and Growth

Minitab is recognized as a global leader in data analytics, Six Sigma, Lean, and continuous improvement software. The company holds a leading position in the statistical and process improvement software market, serving organizations across manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and education.

Minitab continues to grow through strategic partnerships, product modernization, and expanding the adoption of enterprise analytics and cloud-based solutions. Its ongoing investment in AI-driven analytics, real-time monitoring, and digital transformation technologies has strengthened its leadership position and expanded its reach among both large enterprises and small and midsize businesses.

Minitab is a statistical and quality/improvement-oriented analytics software, so its competitors tend to be in the domains of statistical analysis, data science, quality control, and process improvement. Key competitors include SAS, Engine Room, Tableau, Power Steering, Infinity QS, and FlexSim. Minitab is widely regarded as a leader in usability, scalability, and measurable ROI, helping organizations worldwide accelerate operational excellence and data-driven growth.

Leadership Team

As of 2025, Minitab’s Executive Management Team oversees global operations, strategy, and innovation under the leadership of Jeff Slovin, President & CEO with the guidance of Co-Founder and Chairwoman Barbara Ryan. The company’s leadership reflects a mix of long-standing expertise in analytics, business strategy, finance, law, and people development. ^[30]

• Barbara F. Ryan – Co-Founder & Chairwoman of the Board Prior to becoming Chairwoman, Barbara served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Minitab, LLC. In 1972, Barbara developed Minitab Statistical Software, with two colleagues, as a faculty member of the statistics department at Penn State University. Their goal was to develop a software program to perform statistical calculations so that students could concentrate more on statistical theory and less on mathematical calculations.  Over time, under Barbara’s leadership, Minitab developed and grew to become the market leader for analytics used in the quality field and continuous improvement. Before establishing Minitab while at Penn State, she taught statistics at the University of Wisconsin and Stanford University.
• Jeffrey T. Slovin – Chief Executive Officer, President & Board Member Jeff Slovin leads Minitab’s global operations, strategy, and product innovation. Since joining the company, he has driven its transition into cloud-based analytics and enterprise solutions. Prior to Minitab, he served as CEO at Dentsply Sirona and has held senior leadership roles in the medical and technology sectors. Slovin’s leadership emphasizes accountability, performance, modernization, customer centricity, and scalable growth.
• Joshua Zable – Chief Financial & Strategic Planning Officer & Board Member Josh Zable is responsible for Minitab’s global financial operations, strategic planning, and fiscal governance. He plays a key role in mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, and long-term financial modeling. His broad background in investment and corporate strategy supports Minitab’s focus on sustainable profitability and innovation.
• Angela Head – General Counsel & Corporate Secretary Angela Head manages Minitab’s legal affairs, including governance, compliance, contracts, and intellectual property. Since joining in 2022, she has strengthened the company’s legal framework to support expansion into regulated and international markets. Her counsel ensures that growth initiatives align with corporate integrity and regulatory best practices.
• Todd Hershbine – Chief Human Resources Officer Todd Hershbine oversees global people operations, talent development, and organizational culture. Under his leadership, Minitab has implemented workforce programs to strengthen leadership capability and employee engagement. His approach emphasizes inclusive growth, internal development pathways, and aligning HR strategy with Minitab’s long-term business goals.
• Christine Buck – Chief Marketing Officer Christine Buck leads Minitab’s global brand, marketing, communications, and demand generation initiatives. She is responsible for positioning Minitab’s analytics portfolio in both enterprise and education markets. Buck’s expertise lies in building brand equity, integrating digital marketing with sales enablement, and elevating customer experience across channels.
• Christopher Larsen – Chief Revenue Officer Christopher Larsen oversees global revenue growth, customer success, and sales strategy. He leads efforts to expand Minitab’s presence across enterprise, education, and government sectors through both direct and partner channels. Larsen’s leadership emphasizes data-driven sales enablement and customer retention through value-oriented engagement.
• Lynn Blankenship – Chief of Staff & Senior HR Advisor Lynn Blankenship provides executive support to the CEO and coordinates cross-functional initiatives across the EMT. He also advises on HR strategy and leadership development, ensuring alignment between executive priorities and organizational execution. His extensive background in talent and operations management makes him a key connector across departments.
• Ellis Smith – Board Member & Advisor Ellis Smith serves as a senior advisor to the Board and Executive Management Team, offering strategic guidance on operational excellence and governance. With a background in technology and business transformation, he supports Minitab’s long-term innovation and market diversification strategy. His advisory work helps align Minitab’s initiatives with global business trends and customer expectations.

Conclusion

From its academic roots at Penn State to its role as a global leader in statistical analytics, Minitab has profoundly influenced how organizations gathering, organize, interpret, and utilize data to drive quality improvement. With continued innovation under President & CEO Jeff Slovin and a strong emphasis on education, collaboration, and digital transformation, Minitab remains a cornerstone of modern data analysis.

See also

• List of statistical packages
• Comparison of statistical packages