Key Points

• No one tool is going to suit every organization. Make sure to try everything before committing to a software suite.
• Any good software tool is going to require an investment in terms of time and money.
• Some data visualization tools go above and beyond in terms of raw functionality, while others may leave you wanting for more.

What are the best data visualization tools for Lean Six Sigma? There is no shortage of options when it comes to how you approach visualizing the data your organization gathers in Lean Six Sigma. Some tools have become something of a de facto industry standard, with plenty of documentation and dedicated learning resources available. However, when you’re at the crossroads of deciding what to grab, it can be difficult to pick out which sort you want to snag.

So, today, we’re taking a look at some of the usual suspects, discussing their pros and cons, and hopefully leaving you with a greater understanding of what you need to visualize your data in an effective manner at your organization.

Minitab

If you’ve done any sort of work with data visualization, you’ve likely come across Minitab. Minitab is tailor-made for Lean Six Sigma, readily integrating with DMAIC cycles and other practices. It is rather spendy when looking at other data visualization tools, but that comes with plenty of power on tap. For a single user subscription, you’re getting access to Brainstorm, Data Center, Dashboard, and Minitab Statistical Software.

Depending on the rigors and wants of your organization, Minitab is more than capable of handling the workflow.

Pros

There are quite a few strengths to keep in mind when looking at Minitab. As previously mentioned, it is purpose-built with Lean Six Sigma in mind. It has tools built in for the likes of control charts, Pareto charts, histograms, and a whole slew of other tests, visual tools, and analytics needs.

Those well-versed in the use of statistical analysis software will feel right at home with Minitab, which offers robust functionality without concerning itself with coding requirements. You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to handling your data with ease when looking at this software suite.

Cons

As mentioned, Minitab is expensive, coming in at around $1900 a year for a single user. If you’re looking to outfit a whole department of analysts, the costs are going to skyrocket. Further, while it is quite user-friendly and intuitive for analytics software, there is still a learning curve. You are going to have to dedicate time to make the most of Minitab.

Visualization options aren’t quite as diverse as other software platforms, lacking some of the more feature-rich capabilities of general-purpose suites like Tableau. All said, Minitab is a fine choice, provided you can temper your expectations.

JMP

JMP markets itself solely on the power of its statistical software, promising advanced functionality suited for the likes of research and development rather than analytics in a business context. However, this is a fantastic tool that comes with plenty of features when it comes to visualizing your data. More savvy readers will know classes are available for JMP when vying for your Lean Six Sigma certifications.

That said, it isn’t identical to Minitab when it comes to the scope and breadth of features. It serves more as a general suite for users needing a powerful software tool to handle their data visualization needs.

Pros

JMP boasts interactive visualization, meaning you can see the changes in real time as you make changes. Further, this aids in revealing relationships and correlations you might not otherwise discover with other tools. Statistical depth is likewise quite strong, boasting similar functionality to Minitab with a special focus on DOE.

The software suite is best suited for analysts looking to get down and dirty when identifying the likes of patterns, trends, and any outliers. That said, JMP might not be built exclusively for the likes of Lean Six Sigma, but there are plenty of learning resources available to handle whatever your organization might need.

Cons

Compared to other software suites, JMP can be a significant investment. I don’t mean this solely in a financial sense, but also when looking at the likes of the time required to learn the software suite. This is a dense, feature-rich piece of software and requires a fair amount of time to learn and get comfortable with. Now, this isn’t a problem for dedicated users, but if you’re looking for quick results, you might want to go elsewhere.

JMP demands a dedicated, experienced user who is looking to explore their data in depth. Casual users have other options as far as data visualization tools go.

SigmaXL

Most offices are going to have a copy of Microsoft Excel banging around. SigmaXL is a plugin for Excel, built to meet the needs of LSS professionals requiring a feature-rich, easy-to-use software suite. Of the data visualization tools mentioned today, SigmaXL is going to be the most accessible for most organizations. Given the reach of something like Excel, just about any organization can take the time to integrate SigmaXL in their analytics and visualization.

Pros

Since SigmaXL is leveraging Microsoft Excel, it is immediately quick to grasp for skilled practitioners and users of the popular spreadsheet application. It extends the functionality of Excel to better suit the needs and requirements of any LSS organization. SigmaXL is capable of readily generating control charts, running DOE, and conducting hypothesis testing without leaving Excel.

While Microsoft Excel certainly has quite a wide breadth of functionality, SigmaXL takes it to the next level when looking at how your organization can best interpret its data.

Cons

SigmaXL does have some significant drawbacks, at least when compared to standalone software suites. You’re still going to have to contend with the limitations present in any copy of Microsoft Excel. Let’s face it, Excel isn’t built for handling massive datasets, and you’ll likely end up gnashing your teeth and waiting for everything to get moving.

Further, this one has a significant learning curve. Yes, it is readily accessible to Excel users, but it isn’t for the casual folks who might drum up a macro or define a function now and then. You’re expected to be a power user, and you’ll be putting in some time learning how everything works.

Tableau

Tableau has widespread appeal, being used as one of the top data visualization tools regardless of the approach or methodology in use. It’s feature-rich, easily on par with the visualization and analysis suites covered. It does lack some core functionality that we’ll discuss a little further, but there is plenty to love when it comes to using the software.

Pros

As one of the most popular data visualization tools in use today, Tableau has a wealth of learning resources. You won’t necessarily need these, as Tableau functions with the average person in mind, meaning you can drag and drop data points and get instant results.

The software boasts superb functionality as well, readily connecting to multiple data sources when looking to process and present any sort of information. Tableau has also recently integrated artificial intelligence into the user experience, making it far easier for anyone to get to grips with its use in a matter of moments, while pointing out insights and trends you might not have found.

Cons

At the end of the day, Tableau is not a statistical powerhouse. It is very much a data visualization tool, so going further into the weeds when crunching numbers is something you’ll want to use other tools for. That isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but organizations looking to invest in a single software package are going to be left wanting.

Tableau can also be quite expensive for enterprise use. For smaller organizations and single users, this isn’t a consideration. That said, if you’re looking to get your entire analyst department up and going, you might wince at your yearly bill.

Other Useful Tools and Concepts

Looking for something else to go with your morning coffee? We recently covered some of the interesting and exciting ways Hoshin Kanri has been implemented by major corporations. You can read up on how they’re using the practice here.

Additionally, you might be curious about how you can use technology to increase your odds of success when looking into starting any BPR initiatives. Technology can make a huge difference in the success rate of any BPR project, and is a must for any organization looking to change up their processes.

Conclusion

Data visualization tools are a must when it comes to doing any sort of work with Lean Six Sigma. However, choosing the right tool is going to depend on the needs and demands of your statistical analysis. Thankfully, most of these suites offer up rather comprehensive trial periods to get your feet wet and try them in your workflow.