Measurement Systems Analysis (MSA) is a critical component of quality management in manufacturing. It ensures that measurement systems are accurate, reliable, and capable of producing consistent results and it is a mandatory tool in quality systems like TS16949 (Automotive) or RM13003 (Aerospace).  

One of the most popular tools in this space is Minitab. While Minitab software has long been a go-to solution for statistical analysis, DataLyzer Qualis MSA is gaining traction as a specialized alternative designed to the needs of manufacturing daily operations. In this article, we’ll compare the two tools across key functionalities, usability, and real-world applications to help you decide which one is the best fit for your organization.

Minitab versus DataLyzer Qualis Gage Management: Key Functional Comparisons

1. Data Structure and General Functionality

Effective data organization is essential for traceability, audits, and decision-making.

Minitab:

Minitab is a statistical analysis software where MSA is a part of the functionality.

Minitab uses worksheets, similar to Excel and project files to store and present the data. Data can be stored in a folder but management of this information relies on consistent file naming and user discipline. Access authorization needs to be organized through the Windows file folder system.

Minitab doesn’t store gage information nor calibration information. Also scheduling of MSA studies is not part of the system.

DataLyzer:

DataLyzer Qualis MSA is developed as a web-based system to manage gages, calibration and MSA studies. All data is stored in a central database. The system can run on premise, in a private cloud or in a public cloud.

Because it is a database all information is quickly accessible. In the gage registration all relevant information like location, supplier information, status, calibration status, calibration schedules etc. can be stored and can be used to manage all gages.

Internal and external calibration results can be entered so the status of the gage is always up to date.

Full user management, including roles and authorization offers a granular access to the information.

Calibration and MSA schedules can be entered and reminders (Email or due date reports) can be provided.

The DataLyzer Qualis MSA System is integrated with the DataLyzer Qualis SPC system so optimal integration between SPC and MSA is supported.

DataLyzer comes currently in 13 languages (English, Spanish, French, German, European or Brazilian Portuguese, Simplified or traditional Chinese, Hungarian, Malay, Danish, Hungarian and Dutch) and users can switch on the fly. Minitab comes in 8 languages (English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese or Spanish).

Because Minitab doesn’t support gage registration or calibration we will only discuss MSA in the remainder of this document. For moredetails about gage and calibration information please check the Gage management product page https://datalyzer.com/products/gage-management/.

Figure 1: Gage registration and study planning on DataLyzer Qualis MSA

2. Configuration of studies

Minitab:

In each study in Minitab the user can decide what the settings of the study are, for example what are the number of appraisers, nr of parts etc.

DataLyzer:

In DataLyzer you have a central configuration accessible based on your role where you can define what the default settings are. Some settings are set company wide and cannot be changed by users not having enough authorization. For example, in automotive originally the process variation was measured based on 5.15 sigma but later that changed to 6 sigma. Both methods are supported by DataLyzer but you need to select a method in the company wide settings.

3. MSA studies:

Study Equivalences and Default Settings

Bias and Linearity:

Both Minitab and DataLyzer support Bias and Linearity studies. But there are differences for example DataLyzer allows 10 to 25 trials while in Minitab there is no limit for the number of trials in a Bias Study. For linearity DataLyzer allows between 3 to 10 parts (reference values) and 5 to 15 trials while Minitab allows 500 parts and up to 3999 number of trials.

Gage R&R studies

DataLyzer uses the term Type 1, type 2 and type 3 studies which Minitab uses Crossed, Nested and Expanded Modelling in GR&R.

A type 1 study means 1 part is measured 25 to 50 times and shown in a control chart. This study is referred to in VDA requirements (Automotive). A type 1 study can be done in Minitab but then in the form of a control chart.

A type 2 study is typically a crossed design where 2 or 3 operators measure 5 to 10 products 2 or 3 times. So, a type 2 study in DataLyzer is similar to a crossed design in Minitab.

A type 3 study is a form of a type 2 study where you do not have any operator influence, for example an inline camera or a CMM

Typically, you measure 25 products 2 times. In Minitab this also falls under a crossed design.

A nested design means a product can only be tested once (destructive testing). 

Figure 2: Nested study design

Minitab offers this opportunity. DataLyzer does not support Nested designs yet. This is in the future roadmap.

Minitab also offers expanded modelling where crossed and nested designs can be mixed or other factors can be included in the analysis like shifts etc. Datalyzer doesn’t support expanded modelling.

Attribute agreement analysis

DataLyzer and Minitab both support the “Kappa” study. Minitab has more features, for example Minitab can show both Cohen’s Kappa as well as Fleiss’ Kappa. DataLyzer has selected the most useful one in our opinion, so we offer the Cohen’s Kappa.

Integration with SPC and scheduling

Because DataLyzer is integrated with SPC you can use real process variation in your studies instead of only study variation. Studies can be linked to existing specifications defined in the SPC system and you can schedule follow up MSA studies based on study due dates.

Minitab is completely independent from other systems so no integration is possible.

Reporting

In supply chains customers often ask for MSA results and then they often refer to the 6-pack report of Minitab although this is not an official requirement.

DataLyzer offers the AIAG reports which has a lot of overlap with the 6-pack but is not exactly the same.

To accommodate customers who need the 6-pack report DataLyzer will also offer the 6-pack report required by customers in the short term.

The interpretation of the results in Minitab is left to the user. DataLyzer will offer results based on criteria which are user definable. For example, in a Type 2 report the judgement will show Pass or Fail based on the results. These criteria can be set company wide.

Conclusion:

There is a lot of overlap in the MSA analysis. Minitab allows more flexibility in number of users, number of parts, complex studies etc but DataLyzer covers what is required in most industries.

Minitab also offers nested designs. The complexity of what to use in Minitab looks maybe a bit more complex at first sight but users quickly understand the difference between crossed and nested designs. In case you want operators to perform the studies and enter the data DataLyzer might be a bit more user friendly, also because DataLyzer shows results based on criteria.

If MSA needs to be integrated with SPC in the future, then DataLyzer is ready to support this.

4. Licensing model

Minitab:

Minitab has a subscription-based model that requires each user to have a dedicated named license.

DataLyzer:

DataLyzer supports both node or a concurrent user license model.

DataLyzer supports both one-time purchases or a subscription model both for SaaS or on premise. Licenses are provided per database and can be shared between companies if they share a database.

Conclusion: Which Tool is Right for You?

Minitab is a well-established name in statistical analysis and offers powerful MSA study options  – including crossed, nested, and expanded methods – along with advanced tools like SPC, DOE (Design of Experiments) and regression analysis. This robust capability makes it a strong choice for organizations or teams that frequently perform complex or specialized studies.

DataLyzer Qualis MSA, on the other hand, focuses on complete management of gages. It covers all standard MSA studies (Types 1, 2, 3, bias, linearity, and attribute studies) and offers an integrated system for gage tracking, supplier registration, and calibration management. DataLyzer’s web based  design, centralized database, and SPC integration make daily MSA tasks easier and more transparent. Licensing options are flexible, and notifications keep you up to date with calibration schedules and study deadlines.

Ultimately, each software plays to its strengths. You might even find that using Minitab for specialized analytics and DataLyzer for everyday MSA tasks is the perfect blend of power and practicality. Whichever path you choose, having the right MSA software will help you maintain accurate measurement systems, streamline audits, and support continuous improvement across your operations.