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Control Charts Minitab PDF

Control charts can be used to track process statistics over time and detect special causes of variation. Minitab offers various types of control charts, including variables charts for subgroups and individuals, attributes charts, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts. Control chart options allow customizing the charts, such as choosing tests for special causes, estimating parameters, and forcing control limits to be constant. Historical control charts can display data from different stages or groups within the same chart.

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Control Charts Minitab PDF

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Control Charts

Table Of Contents
Control Charts........................................................................................................................................................................ 1
Overview........................................................................................................................................................................... 1
Box-Cox Transformation................................................................................................................................................... 7
Variables Charts for Subgroups ....................................................................................................................................... 9
Variables Charts for Individuals...................................................................................................................................... 72
Attributes Charts........................................................................................................................................................... 105
Time-weighted Charts .................................................................................................................................................. 134
Multivariate Charts........................................................................................................................................................ 159
Index .................................................................................................................................................................................. 191

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Control Charts
Overview
Control Charts
Stat > Control Charts
Choose from the following options:
Box-Cox Transformation: Performs a Box-Cox procedure on process data used in control charts
Minitab draws a wide variety of control charts:
Variables chart for subgroups: Creates control charts for measurement data in subgroups
Variables charts for individuals: Creates control charts for measurement data for individuals
Attributes charts: Creates control charts for data with counts of defects or non-conformities in a sample or the presence
or absence of characteristics or attributes
Time-weighted charts: Creates control charts for time-weighted data
Multivariate charts: Creates control charts for multivariate data

Control Charts Overview

You can use control charts to track process statistics over time and to detect the presence of special causes.
Minitab plots a process statistic, such as a subgroup mean, individual observation, weighted statistic, or number of
defects, versus sample number or time. Minitab draws the:
• Center line at the average of the statistic by default
• Upper control limit, 3σ above the center line by default
• Lower control limit, 3σ below the center line by default

Special causes result in variation that can be detected and controlled. Examples include differences in supplier, shift, or
day of the week. Common cause variation, on the other hand, is inherent in the process. A process is in control when only
common causes − not special causes − affect the process output.
A process is in control when points fall within the bounds of the control limits, and the points do not display any
nonrandom patterns. Use the tests for special causes offered with Minitab's control charts to detect nonrandom patterns in
your data.
You can also perform a Box-Cox transformation on non-normal data.
When a process is in control, you can use control charts to estimate process parameters needed to determine capability.
Minitab offers a variety of options for customizing your control charts:
• See Control Chart Options for options specific to control charts, such as using stages and tests for special causes.
• See Control Chart Display Options for options that are available before graph creation, such as subsetting your data
and changing the control chart's title.
• See Graph Editing Overview for options that are available after graph creation, such as changing font size and figure
location.
See Control Charts for the types of control charts available.

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Control Charts

Control Charts Options

In each control chart's data source dialog box, you can select options to customize your chart:
• Parameters: Use to enter historical data for estimation.
• Estimate: Use to omit certain subgroups for the analysis or to choose an estimation method.
• S Limits: Use to determine standard deviation limit positions and to place a lower or upper limits.
• Tests: Use to choose tests for special causes.
• Stages: Use to display stages or groups in your process.
• Display: Use to display the control chart by stages or subgroup, split the chart, and display the test results in the
Session window.
• Box-Cox: Use the Box-Cox transformation to normalize your data.
• Storage: Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
• Plan/Type: Use to specify the CUSUM plan and type. This option is available only for the CUSUM chart.
• Weights/Reset: Use to control the weight assigned to each zone and to reset the cumulative score after each signal.
This option is available only for the Zone chart.
• Confidence Limits: Use to specify confidence limits for multivariate control charts.

Control Charts Display Options

You can choose from the following options to customize the appearance of the control charts before creating your graphs:
• Scale: Use to customize the time scale, axes and ticks, gridlines and reference lines.
• Labels: Use to customize the title and/or footnotes.
• Multiple Graphs: Use to set the same y-scale for different models. Multiple Graphs is available for all control charts
except the Multivariate charts and the T2 and generalized variance chart.
• Data Options: Use to select which rows in your Minitab worksheet to use in the control chart.

Historical charts with other control chart options

In a sense you are creating two or more control charts in one: so how do the control chart options work with these
"separate charts"?
Most of the time what goes for one goes for all. If you specify that you want three control limit lines drawn, for instance,
three lines are drawn for each stage. There are exceptions, however. The tests for special causes, for instance, are
performed independently for each stage. Each time a new stage begins, the tests restart.
Some options offer choices:

With this option... You can...

Historical mean, Historical standard deviation, and Enter one value to be used for all stages, different value for
Historical p each stages, or a column containing different values for each
stage.
Box-Cox power transformation Enter one value to be used for all stages, different values for
each stage, or a column containing different values for each
stage.

Use historical values

Charts Historical µ: X-bar, X-bar and R, X-bar and S, I-MR-R/S, Individuals, I-MR, EWMA, Moving Average, Zone, C, U
Historical σ: All control charts except Z-MR and I-MR-R/S
For variables control charts, the process is assumed to produce data from a stable population that often follows a normal
distribution. The mean and standard deviation of a population distribution are denoted by mu (µ) and sigma (σ),
respectively. If µ and σ are not specified, Minitab estimates them from the data. Alternatively, you can enter known
process parameters, estimates obtained from past data, or your goals.
This option overrides any options relating to estimating µ or σ from the data − specifically, Omit the following samples
when estimating parameters and any of the Methods for estimating standard deviation.

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Force control limits and center line to be constant

... > control chart Options > S Limits
Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, R, S, P, NP, U, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM
When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit will not be a single straight line, but will vary with the subgroup size.
The center line of charts for ranges and standard deviations also varies with the subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary
much, you may want to force these lines to be constant. For instance, you could enter the average sample size as the
subgroup size. When you use this option, the plot points themselves are not changed; only the control limits and center
line.
For the CUSUM chart, you can force the control limits to be constant using CUSUM Options > Plan/Type.

Control how the standard deviation is estimated

Minitab has several methods of estimating σ, depending on whether your data is in subgroups or individual observations.
Commands
Rbar: Xbar, R, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM, I-MR-R/S, Zone, Xbar and R, Capability Analysis (Normal),
Capability Sixpack (Normal), Capability Analysis (Between/Within), Capability Sixpack (Between/Within),
Capability Analysis Multiple Variables (Normal).
Sbar: Xbar, S, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM, I-MR-R/S, Zone, Xbar and S, Capability Analysis (Normal),
Capability Sixpack (Normal), Capability Analysis (Between/Within), Capability Sixpack (Between/Within),
Capability Analysis Multiple Variables (Normal).
Pooled standard deviation: Xbar, R, S, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM, I-MR-R/S, Zone, Xbar and R, Xbar and S,
Capability Analysis (Normal), Capability Sixpack (Normal), Capability Analysis (Between/Within), Capability
Sixpack (Between/Within), Capability Analysis Multiple Variables (Normal).
Average moving range: Individuals, Moving Range, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM, I-MR-R/S, Z-MR, Zone, I-MR,
Capability Analysis (Normal), Capability Sixpack (Normal), Capability Analysis (Between/Within), Capability
Sixpack (Between/Within), Capability Analysis Multiple Variables (Normal).
Median moving range: Individuals, Moving Range, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM, I-MR-R/S, Z-MR, Zone, I-MR,
Capability Analysis (Normal), Capability Sixpack (Normal), Capability Analysis (Between/Within), Capability
Sixpack (Between/Within), Capability Analysis Multiple Variables (Normal).
Square root of MSSD: Individuals, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM, Zone, I-MR-R/S, Capability Analysis (Normal),
Capability Sixpack (Normal), Capability Analysis (Between/Within), Capability Sixpack (Between/Within),
Capability Analysis Multiple Variables (Normal).
Data in subgroups
The default for all commands, except for the R, S, X-bar and R, and X-bar and S charts, is to estimate σ with a pooled
standard deviation. The pooled standard deviation is the most efficient method of estimating the standard deviation when
you can assume constant variation across subgroups. Choose Rbar to base the estimate on the average of the subgroup
ranges. Choose Sbar to base your estimate on the average of the subgroup standard deviations. See [2] for a discussion
of the relative merits of each estimator.
Individual observations
The estimate of σ is based on MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range divided by an unbiasing constant. By default,
the moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. Click Use Moving
range of length to change the length of the moving range. Alternatively, use Median moving range or Square root of
MSSD.
Unbiasing estimates
Check Use unbiasing constants to use unbiased values for the estimation of σ. Unbiased estimation is only available
with estimation methods that use the standard deviation (Sbar, pooled standard deviation, and square root of MSSD).

Eight tests for special causes

Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, Individuals, I-MR-R/S, I-MR, Capability Sixpack (Normal), and Capability
Sixpack (Between/Within)
Tests 1-4 only: R, S, and Moving Range
Each of the tests for special causes, shown below, detects a specific pattern in the data plotted on the chart. The
occurrence of a pattern suggests a special cause for the variation, one that should be investigated. See [1] and [29] for
guidance on using these tests.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 3

Control Charts

When a point fails a test, it is marked with the test number on the chart. If a point fails more than one test, the number of
the first test in your list is the number printed on the chart.

Eight Tests for Special Causes

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

Test 3 Six points in a row, all increasing or all Test 4 Fourteen points in a row, alternating up and down
decreasing

Test 5 2 out of 3 points > 2σ from center line Test 6 4 out of 5 points > 1σ from center line (same side)
(same side)

Test 7 15 points in a row within 1σ of center line Test 8 8 points in a row > 1σ from center line (either side)
(either side)

Missing Data with Individual Observations

If an observation is missing, there is a gap in the Individuals chart where that observation would have been plotted. When
calculating moving ranges, each value is the range of K consecutive observations, where K is the length of the moving
ranges. If any of the observations for a particular moving range are missing, it is not calculated. Hence, there is a gap in
the Moving Range chart corresponding to each of the moving ranges that includes the missing observation.

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Control Charts

Missing Data with Data in Subgroups

If a single observation is missing, it is omitted from the calculations of the summary statistics for the subgroup it is in. All
formulas are adjusted accordingly. This may cause the control chart limits and the center line to have different values for
that subgroup. This may also cause the Moving Average chart to produce control chart limits that are not straight lines.
If an entire subgroup is missing, there is a gap in the chart where the summary statistic for that subgroup would have
been plotted. However, Moving Average charts treat missing data differently. Moving average charts plot a moving
average of K subgroup averages. When the span of the moving average is three (default) and three or more consecutive
samples are missing, there will be a gap in the chart corresponding to all of the moving averages that would have used
that subgroup mean. You must have at least one sample within a span to calculate the moving average.

Missing Data for Control Charts that use Weighted Statistics

If a single observation is missing and you have data in subgroups, it is omitted from the calculations of the summary
statistics for the subgroup it was in. All formulas are adjusted accordingly. This may cause the EWMA chart to produce
control chart limits that are not straight lines.
Suppose an entire subgroup is missing:
• EWMA plots an exponentially weighted moving average of all past subgroup means. Hence, once it finds a missing
subgroup, it cannot calculate any more values. The chart will be blank starting with the missing subgroup.
• CUSUM plots a cumulative sum of deviations. Like EWMA Chart, when the CUSUM chart encounters a missing
subgroup, the chart will be blank beginning with the missing subgroup.
• Zone leaves a gap in the chart corresponding to the missing subgroup.
EWMA and Zone charts work with equal or unequal-size subgroups, but CUSUM charts require all subgroups to be the
same size.

Unequal-size subgroups
All control charts will handle unequal subgroup sizes. Because the control limits are functions of the subgroup size, they
are affected by unequal-size subgroups. If the sample sizes do not vary by very much, you may want to force the control
limits to be constant. See Force control limits and center line to be constant for details.

Control Chart Examples

The following examples illustrate how to generate control charts with Minitab. Choose an example below:
Variables Charts for Subgroups
X-bar and R
X-bar and S
I-MR-R/S (Between/Within)
X-bar
R
R chart with time stamp
S
Zone
Variables Charts for Individuals
I-MR
Z-MR
Individuals
Individuals, historical
Moving Range
Attributes Charts
P
NP
C
U

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Control Charts

Time-Weighted Charts
Moving average
EWMA
CUSUM
Multivariate Charts
T2 and Generalized Variance
T2
Generalized Variance
Multivariate EWMA

References − Control Charts

[1] Automotive Industry Action Group (1991). Fundamental Statistical Process Control, AIAG, Southfield, MI.
[2] I.W. Burr (1976). Statistical Quality Control Methods, Marcel Dekker, Inc.
[3] C.W. Champ and W. H. Woodall. (1988). "Exact Results for Shewhart Control Charts with Supplementary Runs
Rule," Technometrics, 29, 393-399.
[4] W. Cheney and D. Kincaid. (1999). Numerical Mathematics and Computing, 4th Edition, Brook/Cole Publishing
Company.
[5] R.B. Davis, A. Homer, W.H. Woodall (1990). "Performance of the Zone Control Chart," Communications in
Statistics − Theory and Methods, 19, pp. 1581-1587.
[6] R. B. Davis and W.H. Woodall (1988). "Performance of the Control Chart Trend Rule Under Linear Shift, " Journal of
Quality Technology, 20, pp. 260-262.
[7] N.R. Farnum (1994). Modern Statistical Quality Control and Improvement, Wadsworth Publishing.
[8] E.L. Grant and R.S. Leavenworth (1996). Statistical Quality Control, 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
[9] G.K. Griffith (1989). Statistical Process Control Methods for Long and Short Runs, ASQC Quality Press, Milwaukee.
[10] D.M. Hawkins (1981). "A Cusum for a Scale Parameter," Journal of Quality Technology, 13, pp.228−231.
[11] K. Ishikawa (1967). Guide to Quality Control, Asian Productivity Organization.
[12] V.E. Kane (1989). Defect Prevention: Use of Simple Statistical Tools, Marcel Dekker, Inc.
[13] M. Kutner, C.J. Nachtschiem, W. Wasserman, and J. Neter (1996). Applied Linear Statistical Models: Regression,
Analysis of Variance, and Experimental Designs, 4th edition, McGraw-Hill/Irwin, Inc..
[14] C.A. Lowry, W.H. Woodall, C.W. Champ, and S.E. Rigdon (1992). "A Multivariate Exponentially Weighted Moving
Average Control Chart," Technometrics, 46-53.
[15] J.M. Lucas (1976). "The Design and Use of V-Mask Control Schemes," Journal of Quality Technology, 8, 1−12.
[16] J.M. Lucas and R.B. Crosier (1982). "Fast Initial Response for CUSUM Quality-Control Schemes: Give Your
CUSUM a Head Start," Technometrics, 24, 199−205.
[17] J.M. Lucas and M.S. Saccucci (1990). "Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Schemes: Properties and
Enhancements," Technometrics, 32, 1−12.
[18] R. L. Mason, N. D. Tracy, and J. C. Young. (1992). "Multivariate Control Charts for Individual Observations," Journal
of Quality Technology, 24, April, 88-95.
[19] R. L. Mason, N. D. Tracy, and J. C. Young. (1995). "Decomposition of T2 for Multivariate Control Chart
Interpretation," Journal of Quality Technology, 27, April, 899-108.
[20] D.C. Montgomery (2001). Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons.
[21] R. H. Myers. (2000). Classical and Modern Regression with Applications, 3rd edition, Brooks/Cole Publishing
Company.
[22] L.S. Nelson (1984). "The Shewhart Control Chart − Tests for Special Causes," Journal of Quality Technology, 16,
237−239.
[23] C.H. Ng and K.E. Case (1989). "Development and Evaluation of Control Charts Using Exponentially Weighted
Moving Averages," Journal of Quality Technology, 21, 242−250.
[24] E.S. Page (1961). "Cumulative Sum Charts," Technometrics, 3, 1−9.
[25] J. Prins and D. Mader (1997-98). "Multivariate Control Charts for Grouped and Individual Observations," Quality
Engineering, 10, 49-57.
[26] T.P. Ryan (2000). Statistical Methods for Quality Improvement, 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons.

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[27] Z. Stoumbos, M.R. Reynolds, T.P. Ryan, and W.H. Woodall (2000). "The State of Statistical Process Control as We
Proceed into the 21st Century," Journal of the American Statistical Association, 95, 992-998.
[28] H.M. Wadsworth, K.S. Stephens, and A.B. Godfrey (2001). Modern Methods for Quality Control and Improvement,
2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons.
[29] Western Electric (1956). Statistical Quality Control Handbook, Western Electric Corporation, Indianapolis, Indiana.
[30] D. J. Wheeler and D. S. Chambers. (1992). Understanding Statistical Process Control, Second Edition, SPC Press,
Inc.
[31] D. J. Wheeler (1995). Advanced Topics in Statistical Process Control: The Power of Shewhart Charts, SPC Press,
Inc.
[32] W.H. Woodall (2000). "Controversies and Contradictions in Statistical Process Control," Journal of Quality
Technology, 32, 341-378.

Box-Cox Transformation
Box-Cox Transformation
Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation
Performs a Box-Cox procedure for process data used in control charts. To use Box-Cox, the data must be positive.
When you ask Minitab to estimate lambda, you get graphical output. See Box-Cox Transformation − Graphical Output for
an explanation of the output.
The Box-Cox transformation can be useful for correcting both nonnormality in process data and subgroup process
variation that is related to the subgroup mean. Under most conditions, it is not necessary to correct for nonnormality
unless the data are highly skewed. Wheeler [31] and Wheeler and Chambers [30] suggest that it is not necessary to
transform data that are used in control charts, because control charts work well in situations where data are not normally
distributed. They give an excellent demonstration of the performance of control charts when data are collected from a
variety of nonsymmetric distributions.
Minitab provides two Box-Cox transformations: a standalone command, described in this section, and a transformation
option provided with all control charts, except the Attributes charts. You can use these procedures in tandem. First, use
the standalone command as an exploratory tool to help you determine the best lambda value for the transformation. Then,
when you enter the control chart command, use the transformation option to transform the data at the same time you draw
the chart.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Options>

Data − Box-Cox Transformation

Use this command with subgroup data or individual observations. Structure individual observations down a single column.
Structure subgroup data in a single column or in rows across several columns − see Data for examples.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart options > Estimate, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find
lambda.
Note You can only use this procedure with positive data.

To do a Box-Cox transformation
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 At this point, the command can be used several ways:

To... Do this...

 2003 Minitab Inc. 7

Control Charts

Estimate the best lambda value for the Click OK.

transformation

Estimate the best lambda value for the Click Options and in Store transformed data in, enter a column(s) in
transformation, transform the data, and store the which to store the transformed data, then click OK in each dialog box.
transformed data in the column(s) you specify

Transform the data with a lambda value you Click Options and in Store transformed data in, enter a column(s) in
enter, and store the transformed data in a which to store the transformed data. In Other (enter value(s) between
column(s) you specify -5 and 5), choose Constant(s) and enter the values or choose
Column and enter a column containing the values. Click OK in each
dialog box.

Box-Cox Transformation − Graphical Output

When you ask Minitab to estimate the lambda value, you get a graph that displays:
• The best estimate of lambda for the transformation
• Two closely competing values of lambda
• A 95% confidence interval for the true value of lambda
See Example of a Box-Cox data transformation for an illustration.
The graph can be used to assess the appropriateness of the transformation. For example, you can use the 95%
confidence interval for lambda to determine whether the optimal lambda value is "close" to 1, since a lambda of 1
indicates that a transformation should not be done. In the case that the optimal lambda is close to 1, you would gain very
little by performing the transformation.
As another example, if the optimal lambda is "close" to 0.5, you could simply take the square root of the data, since this
transformation is simple and understandable.
Note In some cases, one of the closely competing values of lambda may end up having a slightly smaller standard
deviation than the best estimate.

Box-Cox Transformation − Options

Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation > Options
Lets you bypass the lambda estimation step by entering your own value of lambda to use in the transformation. You must
enter a storage column in the main dialog box to see the transformed data.
Dialog box items
Optimal lambda(s): Choose to have Minitab estimate an optimal value of lambda (default).
Use overall standard deviation: Check to use the overall standard deviation in the estimation of lambda.
Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5) : Choose to enter your own value of lambda to bypass the lambda estimation
step, then enter lambda values or a column of lambda values.
Store transformed data in: Enter storage columns for the transformed data.

Example of Box-Cox transformation

The data used in the example are highly right skewed, and consist of 50 subgroups each of size 5. If you like, you can
look at the spread of the data both before and after the transformation using Graph > Histogram.
1 Open the worksheet BOXCOX.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Skewed.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5.
5 Click Options. Under Store transformed data in, enterC2. Click OK in each dialog box.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The Lambda table contains an estimate of lambda (0.039501) and the best value (0.000000), which is the value used in
the transformation. The Lambda table also includes the upper CI (0.292850) and lower CI (−0.207308), which are marked
on the graph by vertical lines.
Although the best estimate of lambda is a very small negative number, in any practical situation you want a lambda value
that corresponds to an understandable transformation, such as the square root (a lambda of 0.5) or the natural log (a
lambda of 0). In this example, 0 is a reasonable choice because it falls within the 95% confidence interval. Therefore, the
natural log transformation may be preferred to the transformation defined by the best estimate of lambda.
The 95% confidence interval includes all lambda values which have a standard deviation less than or equal to the
horizontal line. Therefore, any lambda value which has a standard deviation close to the dashed line is also a reasonable
value to use for the transformation. In this example, this corresponds to an interval of − 0.207308 to 0.292850.

Variables Charts for Subgroups

Xbar-R Chart
Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 9

Control Charts

• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means

• R − a chart of subgroup ranges
• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations
• Zone − a chart of the cumulative scores based on each point's distance from the center line
The I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart requires that you have two or more observations in at least one subgroup.
Subgroups do not need to be the same size. Minitab calculates summary statistics for each subgroup, which are plotted
on the chart and used to estimate process parameters.

X-bar and R Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-R
Displays a control chart for subgroup means (an X-bar chart) and a control chart for subgroup ranges (an R chart) in the
same graph window. The X-bar chart is drawn in the upper half of the screen; the R chart in the lower half. Seeing both
charts together allows you to track both the process level and process variation at the same time, as well as detect the
presence of special causes. See [29] for a discussion of how to interpret joint patterns in the two charts.
X-bar and R charts are typically used to track the process level and process variation for samples of size 8 or less, while
X-bar and S charts are used for larger samples.
By default, Minitab's X-bar and R chart bases the estimate of the process variation, σ, on the average of the subgroup
ranges. You can also use a pooled standard deviation, or enter a historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Xbar-R Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<Xbar-R Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Organize the data for all variables control charts in the same way. Variables charts include:
• Variables charts for subgroups
• Variables charts for individuals
• Time-weighted charts
• Multivariate charts
Structure your data for these charts using the guidelines below.
Worksheet Structure
Structure your data down a column or across rows, using the following table as a guide. Multivariate data must be entered
down columns, with one column for each variable.

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

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Structure subgroup data down a column or across rows. Here is the same data set, with subgroups of size 5, structured
both ways. Note that the first five observations in the left data set (subgroup 1) are the first row of the right-side data set,
the second 5 observations are the second row, and so on.

When subgroups are of unequal size, you must enter your data in one column, then create a second column of subscripts
which serve as subgroup indicators. In the following example, C1 contains the process data and C2 contains subgroup
indicators:

Each time a subscript changes in C2, a new subgroup begins in C1. In this example, subgroup 1 has three observations,
subgroup 2 has six observations, and so on.
Nonnormal data
To properly interpret Minitab's control charts, you must enter data that approximate a normal distribution. If the data are
highly skewed, you may want to use the Box-Cox transformation to induce normality.
You can access the Box-Cox transformation two ways: by using the Box-Cox transformation option provided with the
control chart commands, or by using the stand alone Box-Cox command. Use the stand alone command as an
exploratory tool to help you determine the best lambda value for the transformation. Then, you can use the transformation
option to transform the data at the same time you draw the control chart.
For information on the stand alone Box-Cox transformation command, see Box-Cox Transformation.
For information on the Box-Cox transformation option, see Options − Box-Cox.
Missing data
See Missing data in control charts for information on how to handle missing data for different types of control charts.

To display an X-bar and R chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-R.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 11

Control Charts

Options − Parameters
... > control chart Options > Parameters
Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, Zone, I-MR, Individuals, Moving Average, EWMA
Use to enter historical data for estimating µ and σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate
obtained from past data, you can enter these values. If you do not specify a value for µ or σ, Minitab estimates it from the
data. You can omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box items
Mean: Enter the historical means as constants.
Standard deviation: Enter the historical standard deviations as constants.

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options.
2 Do any of the following:
• In Mean, enter one or more values.
• In Standard deviation, enter one or more values.
3 Click OK.
You can enter historical data in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts X-bar and R, R
Omits or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation. You can
also select one of two methods to estimate σ and use biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ using Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating
Standard Deviation.
Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to omit from the
computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups. Enter entire subgroups, not
individual observations. To omit one observation from a subgroup, change that value to missing (∗).
Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and σ,
then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

By default, Minitab estimates the process parameters from all the data. But you may want to use or omit certain data if
they show abnormal behavior.

12  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Omit the following samples when estimating parameters and enter the subgroups or observation
numbers you want to omit from the calculations.
• Choose Use the following samples when estimating parameters and enter the subgroups or observation
numbers you want to use for the calculations.

Note Minitab assumes the values you enter are subgroup numbers, except with the Individuals, Moving Range, and
I-MR charts. With these charts, the values are interpreted as observation numbers.
3 Click OK.

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Xbar and R − Options − S Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-R > Xbar-R Options > S Limits
Displays control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set bounds on the
upper and/or lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line
labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound,
a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead. You can also force the control limits to be constant when
sample sizes are unequal.
For an example, see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each number in the list.
Place bounds on control limits of Xbar Chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the X-bar chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the X-bar chart. If the
calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper
bound instead.
Place bounds on control limits of R Chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the R chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the R chart. If the
calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper
bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits for X-bar and R charts

1 In the control chart data source dialog box, click Xbar-R Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:

 2003 Minitab Inc. 13

Control Charts

• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values or a column
of values in These multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the
lines should be drawn at, above, and below the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the individuals chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Xbar chart,
check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and enter a
value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the moving range chart: under Place bounds on control limits of R chart,
check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and enter a
value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

To force control limits and center line to be constant

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Under When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits, choose Assuming all subgroups have size,
then enter a value. For example, enter a value of 6 to calculate the control limits and center line as if all subgroup
sizes were 6.
3 Click OK.

Note You should force the control limits and center line to be constant only when the difference in size between the
largest and smallest subgroups is no more than 25%. For example, suppose the largest subgroup is size 125
and the smallest is 100. You can use this method because the size difference is 25% (125 / 100 = 25%).

Options − Tests
... > control chart Options > Tests
Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, Individuals, I-MR-R/S (Between/Within), I-MR
Selects a subset of the tests shown in Eight Tests for Special Causes. Each test detects a specific pattern in the data
plotted on the chart. The occurrence of a pattern suggests a special cause for the variation, one that should be
investigated.
When a point fails a test, Minitab marks it with the test number on the plot. If a point fails more than one test, Minitab
marks it by the lowest numbered test.
You can choose to change the color of a control chart when the last row of data causes a new test failure for any point.
See Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Other.
You can set preferences for the sensitivity of these tests using Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools >
Define Tests.
The test results are displayed in the Session window. If the data change and the control chart is live-linked, the test results
are not updated in the Session window. See Updating Graphs for more information.
Minitab will perform tests when subgroup sizes are unequal.
See [1] and [29] for guidance on using these tests.
Dialog box items
Tests For Special Causes (default definitions):
Perform all tests for special causes: Choose to perform all eight tests shown below.
Perform the following tests for special causes: Choose to specify a subset of the eight tests, then check any
combination of the tests listed below.
1 point more than 3 standard deviations from center line
9 points in a row on same side of center line
6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing
14 points in a row, alternating up and down
2 out of 3 points > 2 standard deviations from center line (same side)
4 out of 5 points > 1 standard deviation from center line (same side)
15 points in a row within 1 standard deviation of center line (either side)
8 points in a row > 1 standard deviation from center line (either side)
Perform no tests: Choose to perform no tests for special causes.
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

14  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To perform the tests for special causes

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Tests.
2 Do one of the following:
• To do all tests, choose Perform all tests for special causes.
• To select certain tests, choose Perform the following tests for special causes and check the tests to perform.
• To perform no tests, choose Perform no tests.
3 Click OK.

Note With the following charts, you must have at least one subgroup with two or more observations: R, S, X-bar
and R, and X-bar and S.
Dialog box items
Define stages (historical groups) with this variable: Enter the column that contains the stage indicators.
When to start a new stage
With each new value: Choose to start a new stage each time the value in the column changes.
With the first occurrence of these values: Choose to start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, then
enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than once;
Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.

To display a historical chart

To define stages in your process, you must set up a column of grouping indicators. The indicators can be numbers, dates,
or text. When executing the command, you can tell Minitab to start a new stage in one of two ways:
• Each time the value in the column changes
• At the first occurrence of one or more values
The column must be the same length as the data column (or columns, when subgroups are across rows).
1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options.
2 Click the Stages tab.
3 In Define stages (historical groups) with this variable, enter the column which contains the stage indicators.
4 Under When to start a new value, do one of the following:
• To start a new stage each time the value in the column changes, choose With each new value.
• To start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, choose With the first occurrence of these values.
Enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than
once; Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.
5 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 15

Control Charts

When you use this transformation, Minitab does not accept any values you enter in the Parameters tab for historical
means or historical standard deviations.

Caution If you use Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation to find the optimal λ value and choose to store
the transformed data with that command, do not select the Box-Cox option when you make a control char;
doing so will double-transform the data.
Dialog box items
Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda): Choose to use when your data are very skewed or when the within-
subgroup variation is unstable.
Lambda = 0 (natural log): Choose to use the natural log of the data.
Lambda=0.5 (square root): Choose to use the square root of the data.
Optimal lambda: Choose to have Minitab search for an optimal value.
Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages): Choose to have Minitab search for optimal values for each
stage.
Use overall standard deviation: Check to use the overall standard deviation in the estimation of the optimal
lambda.
Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Box-Cox tab.
2 Check Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda), then do one of the following:
• Choose Lambda = 0 (natural log) to use the natural log of the data.
• Choose Lambda=0.5 (square root) to use the square root of the data.
• Choose Optimal lambda to have Minitab search for an optimal value for all stages.
• Choose Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages) to have Minitab search for optimal values for
each stage.
• Choose Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5) to transform the data using another lambda value or values,
then enter one or more values.
For help choosing a lambda value, see the independent Box-Cox transformation command Stat > Control Charts >
Box-Cox Transformation.
3 Click OK.

Options − Display
... > control chart Options > Display
Charts All charts except Z-MR
Use to display the control chart by stage or by number of plotted points and to display the test results in the Session
window.
Subgroups to display
Display all subgroups: Choose to display all subgroups.
Display last __ subgroups: Choose to display a specific number of subgroups, and enter the number of subgroups.
Split chart into series of segments for display purposes
Do not split: Choose not to split the chart.
Each segment contains __ subgroups: Choose to split the control chart into subgroups of a specified number of
points, and enter the number of subgroups for each segment.
Each segment corresponds to a stage (if chart has stages): Choose to split the control chart by stage or stage
when you have specified stages in control chart Options > Stage.
Test results
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

16  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

• To display a specific number of the last subgroups, under Subgroups to display, choose Display last __
subgroups and enter the number of subgroups to display.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Display tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• To split the chart into a specific number of subgroups, choose Each segment contains __ subgroups, and enter
the number of subgroups for each segment.
• To split the chart by stage, choose Each segment corresponds to a stage (if chart has stages).
3 Click OK.

Options − Storage
Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage
Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the estimates of the means, one row for each historical stage.
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Stores these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limit and one column for the upper control limit.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of X-bar and R chart

You work at an automobile engine assembly plant. One of the parts, a camshaft, must be 600 mm +2 mm long to meet
engineering specifications. There has been a chronic problem with camshaft length being out of specification, which
causes poor-fitting assemblies, resulting in high scrap and rework rates. Your supervisor wants to run X-bar and R charts
to monitor this characteristic, so for a month, you collect a total of 100 observations (20 samples of 5 camshafts each)
from all the camshafts used at the plant, and 100 observations from each of your suppliers. First you will look at
camshafts produced by Supplier 2.
1 Open the worksheet CAMSHAFT.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-R.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Supp2.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5. Click OK.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 17

Control Charts

Session window output

Xbar-R Chart of Supp2

Test Results for Xbar Chart of Supp2

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 2, 14

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The center line on the X-bar chart is at 600.23, implying that your process is falling within the specification limits, but two
of the points fall outside the control limits, implying an unstable process. The center line on the R chart, 3.890, is also
quite large considering the maximum allowable variation is +2 mm. There may be excess variability in your process.

Xbar-S Chart
Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.
• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means
• R − a chart of subgroup ranges

18  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations

• Zone − a chart of the cumulative scores based on each point's distance from the center line
The I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart requires that you have two or more observations in at least one subgroup.
Subgroups do not need to be the same size. Minitab calculates summary statistics for each subgroup, which are plotted
on the chart and used to estimate process parameters.

X-bar and S Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-S
Displays a control chart for subgroup means (an X-bar chart) and a control chart for subgroup standard deviations (an S
chart) in the same graph window. The X-bar chart is drawn in the upper half of the screen; the S chart in the lower half.
Seeing both charts together allows you to track both the process level and process variation at the same time, as well as
detect the presence of special causes. See [29] for a discussion of how to interpret joint patterns in the two charts.
X-bar and S charts are typically used to track process variation for samples of nine or more, while X-bar and R charts are
used for smaller samples.
By default, Minitab's X-bar and S Chart command bases the estimate of the process variation, σ, on the average of the
subgroup standard deviations. You can also use a pooled standard deviation, or enter a historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Xbar-S Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<Xbar-S Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

 2003 Minitab Inc. 19

Control Charts

To display an X-bar and S chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-S.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

20  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts X-bar and S, S
Omits or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters. You can also select one of two methods to estimate σ and use biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ using Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating
Standard Deviation.
Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of the data to omit from the
computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or ranges of subgroups. Enter entire subgroups, not
individual observations. To omit one observation from a subgroup, change that value to missing (∗) in the worksheet.
Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and σ,
then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup size > 1
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

By default, Minitab estimates the process parameters from all the data. But you may want to use or omit certain data if
they show abnormal behavior.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 21

Control Charts

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Xbar and S − Options − S Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-S > Xbar-S Options > S Limits
Allows you to draw control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set
bounds on the upper and/or lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a
horizontal line labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than
the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead. You can also force the control limits to
be constant when sample sizes are unequal.
For an example, see Example of an Xbar chart with tests and customized control limits.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each number in the list.
Place bounds on control limits of Xbar Chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the X-bar chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the X-bar chart. If the
calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper
bound instead.
Place bounds on control limits of S Chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the S chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the S chart. If the
calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper
bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then enter
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits for X-bar and S charts

1 In the control chart data source dialog box, click Xbar-S Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:

22  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values or a column
of values in These multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the
lines should be drawn at, above, and below the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the individuals chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Xbar chart,
check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound), and enter a
value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the moving range chart: under Place bounds on control limits of S chart,
check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound), and enter a
value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

To force control limits and center line to be constant

 2003 Minitab Inc. 23

Control Charts

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

24  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

When you use this transformation, Minitab does not accept any values you enter in the Parameters tab for historical
means or historical standard deviations.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

 2003 Minitab Inc. 25

Control Charts

• To display a specific number of the last subgroups, under Subgroups to display, choose Display last __
subgroups and enter the number of subgroups to display.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of X-bar and S chart

You are conducting a study on the blood glucose levels of 9 patients who are on strict diets and exercise routines. To
monitor the mean and standard deviation of the blood glucose levels of your patients, create an X-bar and S chart. You
take a blood glucose reading every day for each patient for 20 days.
1 Open the worksheet BLOODSUGAR.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar-S.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Glucoselevel.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 9. Click OK.

26  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The glucose level means and standard deviations over the 10-day period fall within the control limits. The glucose level
and its variability are in control for the nine patients on the diet and exercise program.

I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) Chart

Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.
• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means
• R − a chart of subgroup ranges
• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations
• Zone − a chart of the cumulative scores based on each point's distance from the center line
The I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart requires that you have two or more observations in at least one subgroup.
Subgroups do not need to be the same size. Minitab calculates summary statistics for each subgroup, which are plotted
on the chart and used to estimate process parameters.

I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within)
Produces a three-way control chart using both between-subgroup and within-subgroup variations. An I-MR-R/S chart
consists of:
• An individuals chart

 2003 Minitab Inc. 27

Control Charts

• A moving range chart

• An R chart or S chart
When collecting data in subgroups, random error may not be the only source of variation. For example, if you sample five
parts in close succession every hour, the only differences should be due to random error. Over time, the process could
shift or drift, so the next sample of five parts may be different from the previous sample. Under these conditions, the
overall process variation is due to both between-sample variation and random error.
Variation within each sample also contributes to overall process variation. Suppose you sample one part every hour, and
measure five locations across the part. While the parts can vary hour to hour, the measurements taken at the five
locations can also be consistently different in all parts. Perhaps one location almost always produces the largest
measurement or is consistently smaller. This variation due to location is not accounted for, and the within-sample
standard deviation no longer estimates random error, but actually estimates both random error and the location effect.
This results in a standard deviation that is too large, causing control limits that are too wide, with most points on the
control chart placed very close to the centerline. This process appears to be too good, and it probably is.
You can solve this problem by using I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) to create three separate evaluations of process variation:
Individuals chart: Charts the means from each sample on an individuals control chart, rather than on an X-bar chart.
This chart uses a moving range between consecutive means to determine the control limits. Since the distribution of the
sample means is related to the random error, using a moving range to estimate the standard deviation of the distribution
of sample means is similar to estimating just the random error component. This eliminates the within-sample component
of variation in the control limits.
Moving range chart: Charts the subgroup means using a moving range to remove the within-sample variation. Use this
chart, along with the Individuals chart, to track both process location and process variation, using the between-sample
component of variation.
R chart or S chart: Charts process variation using the within-sample component of variation.
Whether Minitab displays an R chart or an S chart depends on the chosen estimation method and the size of the
subgroup. If you base estimates on the average of subgroup ranges, then an R chart is displayed. If you base estimates
on the average of subgroup standard deviations, then an S chart is displayed. If you base estimates on the pooled
standard deviation and your subgroup size is eight or less, an R chart is displayed. If you base estimates on the pooled
standard deviation and your subgroup size is nine or greater, an S chart is displayed.
If you specify stages, the display of a R or S chart depends on the minimum of the mode sample size for all stages. If you
base estimates on the pooled standard deviation and the minimum of the mode sample sizes is eight or less, an R chart is
displayed. Otherwise, Minitab displays an S chart if you estimate using pooled standard deviation or an R chart if you
estimate using Rbar.
Thus, the combination of the three charts provides a method of assessing the stability of process location, the between-
sample component of variation, and the within-sample component of variation.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using I-MR-R/S Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<I-M R/S Options>

Data − I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) Chart

Set up the data in several columns, with each row representing a subgroup. For example, if you took 5 measurements of
each part, but in different locations, then each column would contain the measurements from one of the locations, and
each row would contain the measurements from a single part.

To display a I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within).
2 Do one of the following:

28  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

I-MR-R/S Chart – Options – Parameters

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) > I-MR-R/S Options >
Parameters
Enter historical data for estimating µ and σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate obtained
from past data, you may enter this value. If you do not specify a value for the mean or standard deviation, Minitab
estimates it from the data. You can omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box items
Mean: Enter the historical means as constants.
Standard deviations
Between subgroups: Enter the historical standard deviations for between subgroups as constants. If you enter one
constant, all stages use that value; otherwise, enter a value for each stage.
Within subgroups: Enter the historical standard deviations for within subgroups as constants. If you enter one
constant, all stages use that value; otherwise, enter a value for each stage.

To use historical values for the mean and standard deviation

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) > I-MR-R/S
Options > Parameters.
2 Do any of the following:
• In Mean, enter the historical means as constants.
• Under Standard deviations, in Between subgroups, enter the historical between subgroups standard deviations
as constants.
• Under Standard deviations, in Within subgroups, enter the historical within subgroups standard deviations as
constants.
3 Click OK.
You can enter historical data in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

I-MR-R/S Chart − Options − Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) > I-MR-R/S Options >
Estimate
Omits or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters. You can also select one of several methods to estimate σ, force the control limits to be constant when you
have unequal sample sizes, change the length of the moving range, and use biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the nonomitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ and the length of the moving range using Tools > Options > Control
Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating Standard Deviation.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 29

Control Charts

Dialog box items

Omit the following samples when estimating parameters (eg, 3 12:15): Choose to specify subgroups of the data to
omit from the computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or ranges of subgroups. Enter entire
subgroups, not individual observations. To omit one observation from a sample, change that value to missing (∗).
Use the following samples when estimating parameters (eg, 3 12:15): Choose to specify subgroups of data to
compute µ and σ, then type individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup Size = 1
Average moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the average of the moving range.
Median moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Subgroup Size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Length of moving range: Enter the number of observations used to calculate the moving range. By default, a span of
two is used because consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

By default, Minitab estimates the process parameters from all the data. But you may want to use or omit certain data if
they show abnormal behavior.
1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• Choose Omit the following samples when estimating parameters and enter the subgroups or observation
numbers you want to omit from the calculations.
• Choose Use the following samples when estimating parameters and enter the subgroups or observation
numbers you want to use for the calculations.

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Estimates of three standard deviations

If you do not estimate parameters by stages, you can choose to display three standard deviations in the Session window.
These are the standard deviations for the between component, the within component, and the total variation. These
standard deviations can then be used as parameters in other analyses. For example, you might want to use the estimate
for the total variation as the historical standard deviation in a normal capability analysis.
Here are the model assumptions used in estimating these three standard deviations. The model assumes that an
observation, Xij, is the sum of an overall mean, µ, a between component, Bi, and a within component, Wj(i), as shown
below.
Xij = µ + Bi + Wj(i)
i = 1, ..., I; j = 1, ..., J
The between components, Bi, are assumed to arise from a normal distribution with mean 0 and variance σ2B. The within
components, Wj(i), are assumed to be independent of the Bi and arise from a normal distribution with mean 0 and variance
σ2w. The total variance of the observation, Xij, σ2T, is the sum of σ2B and σ2w.
The individuals chart of the subgroup means gives an estimate, say V1, of Var (xbari), the variance of the subgroup
means:
Var (xbari) = σ2 B + σ2w / J

30  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

The Range Chart gives an estimate, say V2, for σ2w. This is true because the R chart for the Xij is the same as the R chart
for the (unobservable) Wj(i), the within component.
We can combine V1 and V2 to get estimates of σ2B and σ2w, as
estimate of σ2B = max(0, V1 − V2 / J )
and estimate of σ2w = V1 + (J − 1) ∗ V2 / J.
It is possible that the estimate for σ2B is zero.

I-MR-R/S Chart − Options − S Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) > I-MR-R/S Options > S
Limits
Displays control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set bounds on the
upper and lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line
labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound,
a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead.
For an example, see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using the Minitab graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at:
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each number in the list.
Place bounds on control limits of Individuals chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the individuals chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the individuals chart. If
the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the
upper bound instead.
Place bounds on control limits of Moving range chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the moving range chart. If
the calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower
bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the moving range chart.
If the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the
upper bound instead.
Place bounds on control limits of R or S chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the R or S chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the R or S chart. If the
calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper
bound instead.

To customize the control limits for I-MR-R/S charts

1 In the control chart data source dialog box, click I-MR-R/S Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values in These
multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the lines should be drawn
at, above, and below the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the individuals chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Individuals
chart, check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and enter
a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the moving range chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Moving
range chart, check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and
enter a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 31

Control Charts

• To set bounds on the control limits for the R or S chart: under Place bounds on control limits of R or S Chart,
check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and enter a
value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

To perform the tests for special causes

32  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Note With the following charts, you must have at least one subgroup with two or more observations: R, S, X-bar
and R, and X-bar and S.

Dialog box items

Define stages (historical groups) with this variable: Enter the column that contains the stage indicators.
When to start a new stage
With each new value: Choose to start a new stage each time the value in the column changes.
With the first occurrence of these values: Choose to start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, then
enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than once;
Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.

To display a historical chart

 2003 Minitab Inc. 33

Control Charts

Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

To display subgroups
1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Display tab.
2 Do one of the following:
• To display all subgroups in the control chart, under Subgroups to display, choose Display all subgroups.
• To display a specific number of the last subgroups, under Subgroups to display, choose Display last __
subgroups and enter the number of subgroups to display.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

34  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

I-MR-R/S Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) > I-MR-R/S Options >
Storage
Stores your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store estimates of the means, one row for each stage.
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Between standard deviation: Check to store the between standard deviation.
Within standard deviation: Check to store the within standard deviation.
Between/within standard deviation: Check to store the between/within standard deviation.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of I-MR-R/S Chart

Suppose you are interested in determining whether or not a process that coats rolls of paper with a thin film is in control
[31]. You are concerned that the paper is being coated with the correct thickness of film and that the coating is evenly
distributed across the length of the roll. You take 3 samples from 15 consecutive rolls and measure coating weight.
Because you are interested in whether or not the coating is even throughout a roll and whether each roll is correctly
coated, you use Minitab to create an I-MR-R/S chart.
1 Open the worksheet COATING.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > I-MR-R/S (Between/Within).
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Coating.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Roll. Click OK.

Session window output

I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) Chart of Coating

Test Results for I Chart of Subgroup Means of Coating

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 7, 8, 9, 14, 15

I-MR-R/S Standard Deviations of Coating

Standard Deviations

Between 0.0000
Within 13.1225
Between/Within 13.1225

 2003 Minitab Inc. 35

Control Charts

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The individuals chart shows five points outside the control limits, suggesting that this process is out of control.

Xbar
Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.
• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means
• R − a chart of subgroup ranges
• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations
• Zone − a chart of the cumulative scores based on each point's distance from the center line
The I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart requires that you have two or more observations in at least one subgroup.
Subgroups do not need to be the same size. Minitab calculates summary statistics for each subgroup, which are plotted
on the chart and used to estimate process parameters.

X-bar Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar
A control chart of subgroup means. You can use X-bar charts to track the process level and detect the presence of special
causes.

36  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

By default, Minitab's X-bar chart estimates the process variation, σ, using a pooled standard deviation. You can also base
the estimate on the average of the subgroup ranges or standard deviations, or enter a historical value for σ.
You can set options for control charts in all Minitab sessions using Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools.
Available options include how to estimate σ, test definitions, and what tests to perform. When you set options, all affected
dialog box settings automatically reflect your preferences.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Xbar Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<Xbar Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
variable) column

Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator

Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

 2003 Minitab Inc. 37

Control Charts

To display an X-bar chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

38  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

X-bar Chart − Options − Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar Chart > Xbar Options > Estimate
Allows you to omit or use certain subgroups to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation. You can
also select one of two methods to estimate σ, force the control limits to be constant when you have unequal sample sizes,
and use biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ using Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating
Standard Deviation.
Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters (eg, 3 12:15): Choose to specify subgroups of data to omit
from the computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups. Enter entire
subgroups, not individual observations. To omit one observation from a subgroup, change that value to missing (∗).
Use the following samples when estimating parameters (eg, 3 12:15): Choose to specify subgroups of data to
compute µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Use unbiasing constants: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 39

Control Charts

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

S Limits
... > control chart Options > S Limits
Charts X-bar, R, S, P, NP, U, Moving Average, EWMA
Allows you to draw control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set
bounds on the upper and/or lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a
horizontal line labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than
the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead. You can also force the control limits to
be constant when sample sizes are unequal.
For an example, see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each value in the list.
Place bounds on control limits
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits. If the calculated lower
control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits. If the calculated upper
control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

40  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

• To set bounds on the control limits: check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard
deviation limit bound) and enter a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and
above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

To force control limits and center line to be constant

To perform the tests for special causes

 2003 Minitab Inc. 41

Control Charts

3 Click OK.

To display a historical chart

42  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Dialog box items

Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda): Choose to use when your data are very skewed or when the within-
subgroup variation is unstable.
Lambda = 0 (natural log): Choose to use the natural log of the data.
Lambda=0.5 (square root): Choose to use the square root of the data.
Optimal lambda: Choose to have Minitab search for an optimal value.
Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages): Choose to have Minitab search for optimal values for each
stage.
Use overall standard deviation: Check to use the overall standard deviation in the estimation of the optimal
lambda.
Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

 2003 Minitab Inc. 43

Control Charts

To split a control chart

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits

Suppose you work at a car assembly plant in a department that assembles engines. In an operating engine, parts of the
crankshaft move up and down a certain distance from an ideal baseline position. AtoBDist is the distance (in mm) from the
actual (A) position of a point on the crankshaft to the baseline (B) position.
To ensure production quality, you took five measurements each working day, from September 28 through October 15, and
then ten per day from the 18th through the 25th. You want to draw an X-bar chart to track the process level through that
time period, and test for the presence of special causes.
1 Open the worksheet CRANKSH.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Xbar.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter AtoBDist.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5.
5 Click Xbar Options, then click the Tests tab.
6 Choose Perform all tests for special causes.
7 Click the S Limits tab.
8 Under Display control limits at, enter 1 2 3 in These multiples of the standard deviation. Click OK in each dialog
box.

44  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Session window output

Xbar Chart of AtoBDist

Test Results for Xbar Chart of AtoBDist

TEST 6. 4 out of 5 points more than 1 standard deviation from center line (on
one side of CL).
Test Failed at points: 5

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

Subgroup 5 failed Test 6, meaning it is the fourth point in a row in Zone B (1 to 2 standard deviations from the center line).
This suggests the presence of special causes.

R Chart
Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.
• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means
• R − a chart of subgroup ranges

 2003 Minitab Inc. 45

Control Charts

• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations

R Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > R
A control chart of subgroup ranges. You can use R charts to track process variation and detect the presence of special
causes. R charts are typically used to track process variation for samples of size 8 or less, while S charts are used for
larger samples.
By default, an R chart bases the estimate of the process variation, σ, on the average of the subgroup ranges. You can
also use a pooled standard deviation, or enter a historical value for s.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using R Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<R Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

46  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To display an R chart
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > R.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 47

Control Charts

Options − Parameters
... > control chart Options > Parameters
Charts R, S, Moving Range, CUSUM
Enters historical data for estimating σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate obtained from
past data, you may enter this value or values. If you do not specify a value for σ, Minitab estimates it from the data. You
can omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box items
Standard deviation: Enter the historical standard deviations as constants.

To use historical standard deviation values

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options.
2 In Standard deviation, enter one or more values.
3 Click OK.
You can enter historical data in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

48  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

• Choose Omit the following samples when estimating parameters and enter the subgroups or observation
numbers you want to omit from the calculations.
• Choose Use the following samples when estimating parameters and enter the subgroups or observation
numbers you want to use for the calculations.

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each value in the list.
Place bounds on control limits
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits. If the calculated lower
control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits. If the calculated upper
control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values in These
multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the lines should be drawn
at, above, and below the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits: check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard
deviation limit bound) and enter a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and
above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 49

Control Charts

To force control limits and center line to be constant

Options − Tests
... > control chart Options > Tests
Charts R, S, Moving Range, P, NP, U, C
With any of the attributes control charts, you can perform the 4 tests for special causes. Each test, as shown below,
detects a specific pattern in the plotted data. The occurrence of a pattern suggests a special cause for the variation, one
that should be investigated. See [1] and [10] for guidance on using these tests.
When a point fails a test, Minitab marks it with the test number on the plot. If a point fails more than one test, Minitab
marks it by the lowest numbered test.
You can choose to change the color of a control chart when the last row of data causes a new test failure for any point.
See Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Other.
Set your preferences for the sensitivity of tests with Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Define Tests.
The test results are displayed in the Session window. If the data change and the control chart is live-linked, the test results
are not updated in the Session window. See Updating Graphs for more information.
Minitab will perform tests when sample sizes are unequal.

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

Perform all tests for special causes: Choose to perform all tests.
Perform the following tests for special causes: Choose to specify a subset of the four tests, then check any
combination of the tests listed below.
1 point > 3 standard deviations from center line
9 points in a row on same side of center line
6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing
14 points in a row, alternating up and down
Perform no tests: Choose to perform no tests for special causes.

50  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

 2003 Minitab Inc. 51

Control Charts

may want to first run the command Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation to help you find the optimal
transformation value.
When you use this transformation, Minitab does not accept any values you enter in the Parameters tab for historical
means or historical standard deviations.
Caution If you use Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation to find the optimal λ value and choose to store
the transformed data with that command, do not select the Box-Cox option when you make a control char;
doing so will double-transform the data.
Dialog box items
Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda): Choose to use when your data are very skewed or when the within-
subgroup variation is unstable.
Lambda = 0 (natural log): Choose to use the natural log of the data.
Lambda=0.5 (square root): Choose to use the square root of the data.
Optimal lambda: Choose to have Minitab search for an optimal value.
Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages): Choose to have Minitab search for optimal values for each
stage.
Use overall standard deviation: Check to use the overall standard deviation in the estimation of the optimal
lambda.
Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

To display subgroups
1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Display tab.

52  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

2 Do one of the following:

• To display all subgroups in the control chart, under Subgroups to display, choose Display all subgroups.
• To display a specific number of the last subgroups, under Subgroups to display, choose Display last __
subgroups and enter the number of subgroups to display.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

Options − Storage
Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage
Charts R, S
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Stores these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of R chart with time stamp

In this example, add two rows of tick labels (Month and Day) below the original tick labels (the subgroup number).
1 Open the worksheet CRANKSHD.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > R.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter AtoBDist.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5.
5 Click Scale. Under X Scale, choose Stamp. Enter Month Day.
6 Click OK in each dialog box.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 53

Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The points are randomly distributed between the control limits, implying a stable process. It is also important to compare
points on the R chart with those on the X-bar chart for the same data − see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and
customized control limits to see if the points follow each other. These do not − again, implying a stable process.

Example of R chart
Suppose you work at a car assembly plant in a department that assembles engines. In an operating engine, parts of the
crankshaft move up and down a certain distance from an ideal baseline position. AtoBDist is the distance (in mm) from the
actual (A) position of a point on the crankshaft to the baseline (B) position.
To ensure production quality, you took five measurements each working day, from September 28 through October 15, and
then ten per day from the 18th through the 25th. You have already displayed an X-bar chart with the data to track the
process level and test for special causes. Now you want to display an R chart to track the process variation using the
same data.
1 Open the worksheet CRANKSH.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts >Variables Charts for Subgroups > R.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter AtoBDist.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5.
5 Click R Options, then click the Estimate tab.
6 Under Method for estimating standard deviation, Subgroup size > 1, choose Rbar.
7 Click the Tests tab.
8 Choose Perform all tests for special causes. Click OK in each dialog box.

54  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

S Chart
Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.
• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means
• R − a chart of subgroup ranges
• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations
• Zone − a chart of the cumulative scores based on each point's distance from the center line
The I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart requires that you have two or more observations in at least one subgroup.
Subgroups do not need to be the same size. Minitab calculates summary statistics for each subgroup, which are plotted
on the chart and used to estimate process parameters.

S Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > S
A control chart of subgroup standard deviations. You can use S charts to track the process variation and detect the
presence of special causes. S charts are typically used to track process variation for samples of 9 or more, while R charts
are used for smaller samples.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 55

Control Charts

By default, Minitab's S Chart command bases the estimate of the process variation, σ, on the average of the subgroup
standard deviations. You can also use a pooled standard deviation, or enter a historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using S Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<S Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

56  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To display an S chart
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > S.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To use historical standard deviation values

 2003 Minitab Inc. 57

Control Charts

• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of the data to omit from the
computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or ranges of subgroups. Enter entire subgroups, not
individual observations. To omit one observation from a subgroup, change that value to missing (∗) in the worksheet.
Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and σ,
then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup size > 1
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

58  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each value in the list.
Place bounds on control limits
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits. If the calculated lower
control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits. If the calculated upper
control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

To force control limits and center line to be constant

 2003 Minitab Inc. 59

Control Charts

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

To perform the tests for special causes

60  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Note With the following charts, you must have at least one subgroup with two or more observations: R, S, X-bar
and R, and X-bar and S.

Dialog box items

To display a historical chart

 2003 Minitab Inc. 61

Control Charts

Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

To split a control chart

62  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of S chart
Suppose you want to display an S chart to monitor the variability of faults during three shifts over the course of a week.
The subgroup sizes in your data are unequal because the number of measures taken during the shifts varies. You want to
estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
1 Open the file EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > S.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Faults.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Shift.
5 Click OK in each dialog box.

Graph window output

 2003 Minitab Inc. 63

Control Charts

Interpreting the results

The sample standard deviations fall randomly within the control chart limits. You can conclude that the variability of faults
among shifts is due to common causes.

Zone Chart
Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview
data
Variables control charts for subgroups plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for subgroup
data. Variables control charts for individuals, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for subgroups
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• X-bar and R − an X-bar chart and R chart displayed in one window
• X-bar and S − an X-bar chart and S chart displayed in one window
• I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) − a three-way control chart that uses both between-subgroup and within-subgroup
variation. An I-MR-R/S chart consists of an I chart, a MR chart, and a R or S chart.
• X-bar − a chart of subgroup means
• R − a chart of subgroup ranges
• S − a chart of subgroup standard deviations
• Zone − a chart of the cumulative scores based on each point's distance from the center line
The I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) chart requires that you have two or more observations in at least one subgroup.
Subgroups do not need to be the same size. Minitab calculates summary statistics for each subgroup, which are plotted
on the chart and used to estimate process parameters.

Zone Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Zone
A hybrid between an X-bar (or individuals) chart and a CUSUM chart. It plots a cumulative score, based on "zones" at 1,
2, and 3 standard deviations from the center line. Zone charts are usually preferred over X-bar or individuals charts
because of their utter simplicity: a point is out of control simply, by default, if its score is greater than or equal to 8. Thus,
you do not need to recognize the patterns associated with non-random behavior as on a Shewhart chart. This method is
equivalent to four of the standard tests for special causes in an X-bar or Individuals chart.
You can modify the zone chart weighting scheme to provide the sensitivity needed for a specific process. For example,
you may want one set of weights during the initial SPC phase for detecting special causes. Then you may want to change
the weights when the process is in control and it is more important to detect drift. See [5] for discussions of the various
weighting schemes.
You can display a chart based on subgroup means or individual observations. With data in subgroups, the mean of the
observations in each subgroup is calculated, then plotted on the chart. When subgroup sizes are unequal, Minitab
generates a standardized zone chart. By default, the process standard deviation, σ, is estimated using a pooled standard
deviation. You can also base the estimate on the average of subgroup ranges or subgroup standard deviations, or enter a
historical value for σ.
With individual observations, a point is plotted for each observation. By default, σ is estimated using MRbar / d2, the
average of the moving range divided by an unbiasing constant. Moving ranges are artificial subgroups created from the
individual measurements. The moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values have the greatest chance of being
alike. You can also estimate σ using the median of the moving range, change the length of the moving range, or enter a
historical value for σ.
To limit the number of plotted points, use Zone Options > Display.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview, Variables Control Charts for Subgroups Overview, and Comparing a
Zone Chart with a Shewart Chart.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Zone Options > Estimate.

64  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<Zone Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
variable) column

Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator

Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

 2003 Minitab Inc. 65

Control Charts

To display a zone chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Zone.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Comparing a Zone Chart with a Shewhart Chart

The zone control chart procedure incorporates some statistical tests for detecting process shift used with conventional
Shewhart control charts. The X-bar, S, R, and Individuals charts produce Shewhart control charts for process data. For
example, using the default weights:
• A point in Zone 4 is given a score of 8. Keep in mind that a cumulative score equal to or greater than the weight
assigned to Zone 4 signals an out-of-control situation. This is equivalent to a Shewhart chart Rule 1 − a single value
beyond three standard deviations from the center.
• A point in Zone 3 is given a score of 4. A second point in the same zone gives another score of 4. The cumulative sum
of these two points is 8, which signals an out-of-control situation. This is equivalent to a Shewhart chart Rule 5 − two
out of three points in a row more than two standard deviations from the center line.
• A point in Zone 2 is given a score of 2. Three more points in the same zone gives a cumulative score of 8, which
signals an out-of-control situation. This is equivalent to a Shewhart chart Rule 6 − four out of five points in a row more
than one standard deviation from the center line.
For further discussions of zone control chart properties, refer to [5].

Options − Parameters
... > control chart Options > Parameters
Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, Zone, I-MR, Individuals, Moving Average, EWMA

66  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Use to enter historical data for estimating µ and σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate
obtained from past data, you can enter these values. If you do not specify a value for µ or σ, Minitab estimates it from the
data. You can omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box items
Mean: Enter the historical means as constants.
Standard deviation: Enter the historical standard deviations as constants.

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts Zone, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM
Omit or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters. You can also select one of several methods to estimate σ, change the length of the moving range, and use
biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can also set preferences for the estimation of σ and the length of the moving range for all Minitab sessions using
Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating Standard Deviation. When you set options, all affected
dialog box settings automatically reflect your preferences.

Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of the data to omit from the
computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or ranges of subgroups. Enter entire subgroups, not
individual observations. To omit one observation from a sample, change that value to missing (∗) in the worksheet.
Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and σ,
then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup Size = 1
Average moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the average of the moving range.
Median moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Square root of MSSD: Choose to estimate σ using the square root of MSSD (1/2 the mean of the squared
successive differences).
Subgroup Size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 67

Control Charts

Length of moving range: Check to enter the number of observations used to calculate the moving range. By default, a
span of two is used because consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Zone Chart Options − Weights/Reset

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Zone > Zone Options > Weights/Reset
Controls the weights assigned to each zone, reset the cumulative score when an out-of-control point is encountered, and
store the zone scores. Weights must be > 0, but do not need to be integers. When you use noninteger weights, Minitab
rounds the scores displayed on the chart. See [5] for a discussion of the various weighting schemes.
Dialog box items
Weights
Zone 1 - Within 1 standard deviation of center line: Type the weight for zone 1 (default is 0).
Zone 2 - Between 1 and 2 standard deviations: Type the weight for zone 2 (default is 2).
Zone 3 - Between 2 and 3 standard deviations: Type the weight for zone 3 (default is 4).
Zone 4 - More than 3 standard deviations: Type the weight for zone 4 (default is 8). Minitab uses the zone 4 weight
as the critical value when a process is out of control.
Reset cumulative score after each signal: Check to reset the cumulative score to zero following each out-of-control
signal. When a process is out of control, you should attempt to find and eliminate the cause of the problem. If you correct
the problem, reset the cumulative score to zero.

To change weights, reset signals, and store scores

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Zone. Click Zone Options, then click the
Weights/Reset tab.
2 Under Weights, type the weight for zones 1 through 4.
3 Check Reset cumulative score after each signal to reset the cumulative score to zero following each out of control
signal.
4 Check Store zone scores to store the zone scores in the worksheet. Click OK.

Options − Stages
... > control chart Options > Stages
Charts All charts except Z-MR

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Control Charts

You can display stages in your process by drawing a "historical chart" − a control chart in which the control limits and
center line are estimated independently for different groups in your data. Historical charts are particularly useful for
comparing data before and after a process improvement.

To display a historical chart

 2003 Minitab Inc. 69

Control Charts

Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages): Choose to have Minitab search for optimal values for each
stage.
Use overall standard deviation: Check to use the overall standard deviation in the estimation of the optimal
lambda.
Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

To split a control chart

70  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Zone Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Zone > Zone Options > Storage
Stores your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the estimates of the means, one row for each historical stage.
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Zone score: Check to store the zone scores. Minitab stores the exact cumulative score for each subgroup.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of zone chart

You work in a manufacturing plant concerned about quality improvement. You decide to measure the length of 10 sets of
cylinders produced during each of five shifts, for a total of 50 samples daily. Because a zone control chart is very easy to
interpret, you decide to evaluate your data with it. You also decide to reset the cumulative score following each out-of-
control signal.
1 Open worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Subgroups > Zone.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Length.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5.
5 Click Zone Options, then click the Weights/Reset tab.
6 Check Reset cumulative score after each signal. Click OK in each dialog box.

Session window output

Zone Chart of Length

Test Results for Zone Chart of Length

TEST. Cumulative score greater than or equal to zone 4 score.

Test Failed at points: 6, 10

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The cumulative score at subgroup 6 equals eight, which indicates the process is out of control. You find that the operator
reset the machine following subgroup 6, as he believed the machine was slipping. However, the zone chart detects the
process is out of control again at subgroup 10. After seeing the subsequent rise in subgroups 7-10 on the zone chart, you
decide the operator may have overcompensated for the problem identified at subgroup 6.

Variables Charts for Individuals

I-MR Chart
Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview
data
Variables control charts for individuals plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for individuals
data. Variables control charts for subgroups, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for individuals
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• I-MR − an Individuals chart and Moving Range chart displayed in one window
• Z-MR − a chart of standardized individual observations and moving ranges from short run processes
• Individuals − a chart of individual observations
• Moving Range − a chart of moving ranges

Individuals−Moving Range Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > I-MR
An I-MR chart is an Individuals chart and Moving Range chart in the same graph window. The Individuals chart is drawn in
the upper half of the screen; the Moving Range chart in the lower half. Seeing both charts together allows you to track
both the process level and process variation at the same time, as well as detect the presence of special causes. See [29]
for a discussion of how to interpret joint patterns in the two charts.
By default, I-MR Chart estimates the process variation, σ, with MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range divided by an
unbiasing constant. The moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike.
You can also estimate σ using the median of the moving range, change the length of the moving range, or enter a
historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview.

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Control Charts

Dialog box items

Variables: Choose one or more columns containing the observations.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<I-MR Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

 2003 Minitab Inc. 73

Control Charts

To display an I-MR chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > I-MR.
2 In Variables, enter one or more columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

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Control Charts

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts Moving Range, I-MR
Omits or includes certain observations to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some observations are erratic due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent them from influencing the estimation of µ and σ. You can
also select one of two methods to estimate σ, change the length of the moving range, and use biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ and the length of the moving range using Tools > Options > Control
Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating Standard Deviation.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Individuals-Moving Range Chart − Options − S Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > I-MR > I-MR Options > S Limits
Allows you to draw control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set
bounds on the upper and lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a
horizontal line labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than
the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead. You can also force the control limits to
be constant when sample sizes are unequal.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 75

Control Charts

For an example, see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using the Minitab graph editing features.

Dialog box items

Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each number in the list.
Place bounds on control limits of Individuals chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the individuals chart. If the
calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound
instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the individuals chart. If
the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the
upper bound instead.
Place bounds on control limits of Moving range chart
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits for the moving range chart. If
the calculated lower control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower
bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits for the moving range chart.
If the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the
upper bound instead.

To customize the control limits for I-MR charts

1 In the control chart data source dialog box, click I-MR Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values or a column
of values in These multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the
lines should be drawn at, above, and below the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the individuals chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Individuals
chart, check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and enter
a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the moving range chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Moving
range chart, check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and
enter a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

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Control Charts

Dialog box items

Tests For Special Causes (default definitions):
Perform all tests for special causes: Choose to perform all eight tests shown below.
Perform the following tests for special causes: Choose to specify a subset of the eight tests, then check any
combination of the tests listed below.
1 point more than 3 standard deviations from center line
9 points in a row on same side of center line
6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing
14 points in a row, alternating up and down
2 out of 3 points > 2 standard deviations from center line (same side)
4 out of 5 points > 1 standard deviation from center line (same side)
15 points in a row within 1 standard deviation of center line (either side)
8 points in a row > 1 standard deviation from center line (either side)
Perform no tests: Choose to perform no tests for special causes.
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

 2003 Minitab Inc. 77

Control Charts

• To start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, choose With the first occurrence of these values.
Enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than
once; Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.
5 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Options − Box-Cox
... > control chart Options > Box-Cox
Charts All except the Attributes charts
You can use the Box-Cox power transformation when your data are very skewed or when the within-subgroup variation is
unstable to make the data "more normal." The transformation takes the original data to the power λ, unless λ = 0, in which
case the natural log is taken. (λ is lambda.)
To use this option, the data must be positive. When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate,
Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
The Options subdialog box lists the common transformations natural log (λ = 0) and square root (λ = 0.5). You can also
choose any value between − 5 and 5 for λ. In most cases, you should not choose a λ outside the range of −2 and 2. You
may want to first run the command Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation to help you find the optimal
transformation value.
When you use this transformation, Minitab does not accept any values you enter in the Parameters tab for historical
means or historical standard deviations.
Caution If you use Stat > Control Charts > Box-Cox Transformation to find the optimal λ value and choose to store
the transformed data with that command, do not select the Box-Cox option when you make a control char;
doing so will double-transform the data.
Dialog box items
Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda): Choose to use when your data are very skewed or when the within-
subgroup variation is unstable.
Lambda = 0 (natural log): Choose to use the natural log of the data.
Lambda=0.5 (square root): Choose to use the square root of the data.
Optimal lambda: Choose to have Minitab search for an optimal value.
Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages): Choose to have Minitab search for optimal values for each
stage.
Use overall standard deviation: Check to use the overall standard deviation in the estimation of the optimal
lambda.
Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5): Choose to transform the data using another lambda value or values, then
enter the lambda values.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

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Control Charts

Subgroups to display
Display all subgroups: Choose to display all subgroups.
Display last __ subgroups: Choose to display a specific number of subgroups, and enter the number of subgroups.
Split chart into series of segments for display purposes
Do not split: Choose not to split the chart.
Each segment contains __ subgroups: Choose to split the control chart into subgroups of a specified number of
points, and enter the number of subgroups for each segment.
Each segment corresponds to a stage (if chart has stages): Choose to split the control chart by stage or stage
when you have specified stages in control chart Options > Stage.
Test results
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

To split a control chart

Options − Storage
Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage
Charts Individuals, I-MR
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store estimates of the means, one row for each stage.
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

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Control Charts

Example of I-MR chart

As the distribution manager at a limestone quarry, you want to monitor the weight (in pounds) and variation in the 45
batches of limestone that are shipped weekly to an important client. Each batch should weigh approximately 930 pounds.
You previously created a Moving Average chart. Now you want to examine the same data using an individuals and
moving range chart.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > I-MR.
3 In Variables, enter Weight.
4 Click I-MR Options, then click the Tests tab.
5 Choose Perform all tests for special causes, then click OK in each dialog box.

Session window output

I-MR Chart of Weight

Test Results for I Chart of Weight

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 14, 23, 30, 31, 44, 45

TEST 2. 9 points in a row on same side of center line.

Test Failed at points: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 33,
34, 35, 36

TEST 5. 2 out of 3 points more than 2 standard deviations from center line (on
one side of CL).
Test Failed at points: 24, 30, 31, 45

TEST 6. 4 out of 5 points more than 1 standard deviation from center line (on
one side of CL).
Test Failed at points: 5, 6, 7, 29, 30, 31, 32, 45

Test Results for MR Chart of Weight

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 25

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

80  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The individuals chart shows 6 points outside the control limits and 22 points inside the control limits exhibiting a
nonrandom pattern, suggesting the presence of special causes. The moving range chart shows one point above the
control limit. You should closely examine the quarry's processes to improve control over the weight of limestone
shipments.

Z-MR Chart
Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview
data
Variables control charts for individuals plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for individuals
data. Variables control charts for subgroups, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for individuals
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• I-MR − an Individuals chart and Moving Range chart displayed in one window
• Z-MR − a chart of standardized individual observations and moving ranges from short run processes
• Individuals − a chart of individual observations
• Moving Range − a chart of moving ranges

Z-MR Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR
A Z-MR chart is a chart of standardized individual observations (Z) and moving ranges (MR) from a short run process.
The chart for individual observations (Z) displays above the chart for moving ranges (MR). Seeing both charts together
lets you track both the process level and process variation at the same time. See [29] for a discussion of how to interpret
joint patterns in the two charts.
Standard control charting techniques rely upon a sufficiently large amount of data to reliably estimate process parameters,
such as the process means (µ) and process standard deviations (σ). Short run processes often do not have enough data
in each run to produce good estimates of the process parameters. You can use a single machine or process to produce
many different parts, or different products. For example, you may produce only 20 units of a part, then reset the machine
to produce a different part in the next run. Even if the runs are large enough to obtain estimates, you would need a
separate control chart for each part made by the process, because it is likely that all parts would not have the same mean
and standard deviation. Short run charts provide a solution to these problems by pooling and standardizing the data in
various ways.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 81

Control Charts

Several methods are commonly used for short runs. See [7] and [9] for details. The most general method assumes that
each part or batch produced by a process has its own unique average and standard deviation. If the average and the
standard deviation can be obtained, then the process data can be standardized by subtracting the mean and dividing the
result by the standard deviation. The standardized data all come from a population with µ = 0 and σ = 1. Now you can use
a single plot for the standardized data from different parts or products. The resulting control chart has a center line at 0, an
upper limit at +3, and a lower limit at −3.
Use Z-MR Chart with short run processes when there is not enough data in each run to produce good estimates of
process parameters. Z-MR Chart standardizes the measurement data by subtracting the mean to center the data, then
dividing by the standard deviation. Standardizing allows you to evaluate data from different runs by interpreting a single
control chart.
You can estimate the mean and process variation from the data various ways, or supply historical values.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter one or more columns containing the process data.
Part indicator: Enter the column containing the part/product name or number for each measurement. The part column
must have the same number of rows as the data column. Thus, each row contains a measurement, and a part or
product name. The part column can contain text or numeric data. The part/product data defines the groupings for
estimating process parameters. In addition, each time Minitab encounters a change in the part/product name column a
new run is defined. You may find Calc > Make Patterned Data > Simple Set of Numbers useful for entering patterned
data for the part/product number.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<Z-MR Options>

Data − Z-MR Chart

Your worksheet should consist of a pair of columns: a data column and column containing the corresponding part/product
name or number. The part/product data defines the groupings for estimating process parameters. In addition, each time
Minitab encounters a change in the part/product name column, a new run is defined. You may find Calc > Make
Patterned Data > Simple Set of Numbers useful for entering the part/product number.

To display a Z-MR chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR.
2 In Variables, enter one or more columns. In Part indicator, enter a column containing the part/product name or
number for each measurement.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Z-MR Chart − Options – Parameters

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Parameters
Use to estimate process means and standard deviations.
Dialog box items
Means: Enter a historical mean for each part/product, then enter the column containing the values. This column must
contain a value for each observation in the data column.
Standard deviations: Enter a historical standard deviation for each part/product, then enter the column containing the
values. This column must contain a value for each observation in the data column.

To specify parameters for Z-MR chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Parameters.
2 Do any of the following:
• In Means, enter a column containing the historical means.
• In Standard deviations, enter a column containing the historical standard deviations.
3 Click OK.

82  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Z-MR Chart − Options – Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Estimate
Use to enter historical data for standardizing the data.
Dialog box items
Method for estimating the standard deviation
How to define groups of observations
By runs: Choose to estimate σ for each run independently. See Methods and formulas for information on choosing
an estimation method.
By parts (combine all observations for same part): Choose to combine the data from runs of the same part, then
estimate σ for that part. This is repeated to estimate σ for all parts.
Constant (combine all observations): Choose to pool all the data − across runs and parts − to obtain a common
estimate of σ.
Relative to size (combine all observations, use log): Choose to take the natural log of the data, then pool the
transformed data − across all runs and parts − to obtain a common estimate of σ for the transformed data. The
natural log transformation stabilizes the variation in cases where variation increases as the size of the measurement
increases.
For each group, calculate
Average Moving Range: Choose to estimate σ using the average of the moving range.
Median Moving Range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Length of moving range: Enter the length of the moving range. By default, Minitab uses a span of two because
consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.

To estimate the standard deviation for Z-MR chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Estimate.
2 Under Methods for estimating the standard deviation, How to define groups of observations, choose one of the
following:
• By runs
• By parts (combine all observations for the same part)
• Constant (combine all observations)
• Relative to size (combine all observations, use log)
3 Under For each group, calculate, choose a method to estimate the standard deviation.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Z-MR Chart − Options − S Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > S Limits
Allows you to draw control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set
bounds on the upper and lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a
horizontal line labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than
the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead. You can also force the control limits to
be constant when sample sizes are unequal.
For an example, see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using the Minitab graph editing features.

Dialog box items

 2003 Minitab Inc. 83

Control Charts

To customize the control limits for Z-MR charts

1 In the control chart data source dialog box, click Z-MR Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values in These
multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the lines should be drawn
at, above, and below the mean.
• To set bounds on the control limits for the moving range chart: under Place bounds on control limits of Moving
range chart, check Lower standard deviation limit bound (and/or Upper standard deviation limit bound) and
enter a value. Each value represents the number of standard deviations below and above the mean.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.

Dialog box items

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

84  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Z-MR Chart − Options − Display

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Display
Use to split or sort the series.
Dialog box items
Split series: Check to split the series
By runs: Choose to split the series by runs.
Into subsets of size: Choose to split the series by size and enter the size.

To split a series for Z-MR chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Display.
2 Do any of the following:
• Choose By runs to split the series by runs.
• Choose Into subsets of size, then enter the size.
3 Click OK.

Z-MR Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR > Z-MR Options > Storage
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the estimates of the means, one row for each historical stage.
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Standardizing the Data

In all cases, the standardized values (Z) are obtained by:
Z = (X − µ) / σ
where µ is the overall mean for a particular part, and σ is the estimate of the process standard deviation for each X. The
estimate of σ depends on the method chosen.
When you choose the Relative to size (combine all observations, use log) option for estimating σ, X is the natural log
of the data.
The following table shows how the Z-values vary depending on the method chosen to estimate σ:

Run # Fiber # Thickness Mean Constant Z Relative to size Z By Parts Z By Runs Z

1 134 1.435 1.5015 −0.9288 −0.9674 −0.9554 −0.6731
1 134 1.572 1.5015 0.9846 1.0022 1.0129 0.7136
1 134 1.486 1.5015 −0.2165 −0.2131 −0.2227 −0.1569
2 221 1.883 1.7847 1.3729 1.1774 1.1973 0.8800
2 221 1.715 1.7847 −0.9735 −0.8518 −0.8490 −0.6240
2 221 1.799 1.7847 0.1997 0.1865 0.1742 0.1280

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3 134 1.511 1.5015 0.1327 0.1473 0.1365 0.1477

3 134 1.457 1.5015 −0.6215 −0.6388 −0.6394 −0.6921
3 134 1.548 1.5015 0.6494 0.6698 0.6681 0.7232
4 221 1.768 1.7847 −0.2332 −0.1909 −0.2034 −0.2117
4 221 1.711 1.7847 −1.0293 −0.9024 −0.8977 −0.9341
4 221 1.832 1.7847 0.6606 0.5812 0.5761 0.5995
5 077 1.427 1.3883 0.5405 0.5529 0.6104 0.6104
5 077 1.344 1.3883 −0.6187 −0.7520 −0.6987 −0.6987
5 077 1.404 1.3883 0.2193 0.1991 0.2476 0.2476

Example of Z-MR chart

Suppose you work in a paper manufacturing plant and are concerned about quality improvement. Because your process
makes paper in short runs, you need to employ standardized control charting techniques to assess quality. You know that
the variation in your process is proportional to the thickness of the paper being produced, so you plan to use the Relative
to size (combine all observations, use log) option to estimate σ.
You collect data from five runs including three different grades of paper. You then produce a Z-MR chart for the individual
observations (Z) and the moving ranges (MR) from your short run paper-making process.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Z-MR.
3 In Variables, enter Thicknes. In Part indicator, enter Grade.
4 Click Z-MR Options, then click the Estimate tab.
5 Under How to define groups of observations, choose Relative to size (combine all observations, use log).
6 Click OK in each dialog box.

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

All points are in control for all five runs for both the process means and moving ranges, suggesting that only common
causes affect the paper making process.

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Individuals Chart
Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview
data
Variables control charts for individuals plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for individuals
data. Variables control charts for subgroups, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for individuals
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• I-MR − an Individuals chart and Moving Range chart displayed in one window
• Z-MR − a chart of standardized individual observations and moving ranges from short run processes
• Individuals − a chart of individual observations
• Moving Range − a chart of moving ranges

Individuals Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Individuals
An individuals chart is a control chart of individual observations. You can use individuals charts to track the process level
and detect the presence of special causes when the sample size is 1.
By default, individuals chart estimates the process variation, σ, with MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range divided
by an unbiasing constant. Moving ranges are artificial subgroups created from the individual measurements. By default,
the moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. You can also estimate
σ using the median of the moving range, change the length of the moving range, or enter historical values of σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter one or more columns containing the outcome measures.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<I Chart Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

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To display an individuals chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Individuals.
2 In Variables, enter one or more data columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Options − Parameters
... > control chart Options > Parameters
Charts X-bar and R, X-bar and S, X-bar, Zone, I-MR, Individuals, Moving Average, EWMA

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To use historical mean and standard deviation values

Individuals Chart − Options − Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts > Individuals > I Chart Options > Estimate
Allows you to omit certain observations to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some observations are erratic due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters. You can also select one of three methods to estimate σ, change the length of the moving range, and use
biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the nonomitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ and the length of the moving range using Tools > Options > Control
Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating Standard Deviation.
Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters (eg, 3 12:15): Choose to specify observations to omit from
the computations for µ and σ, then enter individual observation numbers.
Use the following samples when estimating parameters (eg, 3 12:15): Choose to specify observations to compute µ
and σ, then enter individual observation numbers.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup size = 1
Average moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the average of the moving range.
Median moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Square root of MSSD: Choose to estimate σ using the square root of MSSD (half the mean of the squared
successive differences).
Length of moving range: Type the length of the moving range. By default, Minitab uses a span of two because
consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use unbiased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

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2 Do one of the following:

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

S Limits
... > control chart Options > S Limits
Charts Individuals, Moving Range
Allows you to draw control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set
bounds on the upper and/or lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a
horizontal line labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than
the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead.
For an example, see Example of an X-bar chart with tests and customized control limits.

To customize the control limits

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When a point fails a test, Minitab marks it with the test number on the plot. If a point fails more than one test, Minitab
marks it by the lowest numbered test.
You can choose to change the color of a control chart when the last row of data causes a new test failure for any point.
See Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Other.
You can set preferences for the sensitivity of these tests using Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools >
Define Tests.
The test results are displayed in the Session window. If the data change and the control chart is live-linked, the test results
are not updated in the Session window. See Updating Graphs for more information.
Minitab will perform tests when subgroup sizes are unequal.
See [1] and [29] for guidance on using these tests.
Dialog box items
Tests For Special Causes (default definitions):
Perform all tests for special causes: Choose to perform all eight tests shown below.
Perform the following tests for special causes: Choose to specify a subset of the eight tests, then check any
combination of the tests listed below.
1 point more than 3 standard deviations from center line
9 points in a row on same side of center line
6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing
14 points in a row, alternating up and down
2 out of 3 points > 2 standard deviations from center line (same side)
4 out of 5 points > 1 standard deviation from center line (same side)
15 points in a row within 1 standard deviation of center line (either side)
8 points in a row > 1 standard deviation from center line (either side)
Perform no tests: Choose to perform no tests for special causes.
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

To perform the tests for special causes

Note With the following charts, you must have at least one subgroup with two or more observations: R, S, X-bar
and R, and X-bar and S.

Dialog box items

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To display a historical chart

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

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• Choose Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages) to have Minitab search for optimal values for
each stage.
• Choose Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5) to transform the data using another lambda value or values,
then enter one or more values.
For help choosing a lambda value, see the independent Box-Cox transformation command Stat > Control Charts >
Box-Cox Transformation.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

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Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of Individuals chart

In the following example, Weight contains the weight in pounds of each batch of raw material.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Individuals.
3 In Variables, enter Weight.
4 Click I Chart Options, then click the Tests tab.
5 Choose Perform all tests for special causes, then click OK in each dialog box.

Session window output

I Chart of Weight

Test Results for I Chart of Weight

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 14, 23, 30, 31, 44, 45

TEST 2. 9 points in a row on same side of center line.

Test Failed at points: 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 33,
34, 35, 36

TEST 5. 2 out of 3 points more than 2 standard deviations from center line (on
one side of CL).
Test Failed at points: 24, 30, 31, 45

TEST 6. 4 out of 5 points more than 1 standard deviation from center line (on
one side of CL).
Test Failed at points: 5, 6, 7, 29, 30, 31, 32, 45

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The individuals chart shows six points outside the control limits and 22 points inside the control limits exhibiting a
nonrandom pattern, suggesting the presence of special causes. See the Session window results for a list of the points that
failed each test.

Example of a historical chart

As manager of a hospital's intensive care unit, you are concerned about the length of time it takes to admit patients to
your unit. To gain an understanding of the process, you begin monitoring admission times. You find that the process is in
control, but the variability is large. Before making any changes in the process, your team decides to first standardize the
admission procedure for all shifts. This standardization takes place in July.
While studying the admissions process, you discover that you can cut down on switchover time by using the same type of
IV line used in the operating room. You implement this change in August.
To share your findings with the staff, you display a historical chart.
1 Open the worksheet ICU.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Individuals.
3 In Variables, enter ICUadmit.
4 Click I Chart Options, then click the Stages tab.
5 In Define stage (historical groups) with this variable, enter Month.
6 Click OK in each dialog box.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The data in the first part of the Individuals chart are the admission times (in minutes) before any improvements were
made. As you can see, the initial standardization in July reduced both the mean admission time and the variation in
admission time. In August, improvements to standardized procedure further reduced both mean admission time and
variation.

Moving Range Chart

Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview
data
Variables control charts for individuals plot statistics from measurement data, such as length or pressure, for individuals
data. Variables control charts for subgroups, time-weighted charts, and multivariate charts also plot measurement data.
Attributes control charts plot count data, such as the number of defects or defective units.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a variables control chart for individuals
Minitab offers five variables control charts:
• I-MR − an Individuals chart and Moving Range chart displayed in one window
• Z-MR − a chart of standardized individual observations and moving ranges from short run processes
• Individuals − a chart of individual observations
• Moving Range − a chart of moving ranges

Moving Range Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Moving Range
A moving range chart is a chart of "moving ranges" − ranges calculated from artificial subgroups created from successive
observations. You can use moving range charts to track the process variation and detect the presence of special causes
when your sample size is 1.
By default, Moving Range chart estimates the process variation, σ, with MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range
divided by an unbiasing constant. The moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values have the greatest chance of
being alike. You can also estimate σ using the median of the moving range, change the length of the moving range, or
enter a historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Variables Control Charts for Individuals Overview.

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Dialog box items

Variables: Choose one or more columns. Minitab calculates the moving ranges of length K for all nonmissing data and
plots them on the chart. K is determined by the moving range span specified in Length of moving range in MR Options >
Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<MR Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

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To display a moving range chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Moving Range.
2 In Variables, enter a data column or columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To use historical standard deviation values

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts Moving Range, I-MR

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Omits or includes certain observations to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some observations are erratic due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent them from influencing the estimation of µ and σ. You can
also select one of two methods to estimate σ, change the length of the moving range, and use biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can set preferences for the estimation of σ and the length of the moving range using Tools > Options > Control
Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating Standard Deviation.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.

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Dialog box items

To customize the control limits

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

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Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

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3 In Define stages (historical groups) with this variable, enter the column which contains the stage indicators.
4 Under When to start a new value, do one of the following:
• To start a new stage each time the value in the column changes, choose With each new value.
• To start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, choose With the first occurrence of these values.
Enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than
once; Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.
5 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

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To split a control chart

Moving Range Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Moving Range > MR Options > Storage
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limit and one column for the upper control limit.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

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Example of moving range chart

You work at an automobile engine assembly plant. One of the parts, a camshaft, must be 600 mm +2 mm long to meet
engineering specifications. A chronic problem exists with camshaft length being out of specification, which causes poor-
fitting assemblies, resulting in high scrap and rework rates. You collect a total of 100 observations (20 samples of 5
camshafts each) from each of your suppliers. You have already made an X-bar and R chart for supplier 1. Your supervisor
would also like you to create moving range charts for each supplier to track process variation. You want to make the y-
scales of the charts the same so that the charts are easier to compare.
1 Open the worksheet CAMSHAFT.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Variables Charts for Individuals > Moving Range.
3 In Variables, enter Supp1 Supp2.
4 Click Multiple Graphs. Under Scales for Different Variables, check Same Y.
5 Click OK.

Session window output

Moving Range Chart of Supp1

Test Results for MR Chart of Supp1

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 34, 56

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Moving Range Chart of Supp2

Test Results for MR Chart of Supp2

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 83

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The moving range chart for supplier 1 shows two points outside the control limits, while the moving range chart for
Supplier 2 shows one point outside the control limits. For the most part, the process variation for both suppliers is within
the control limits.

Attributes Charts
Overview
Attributes Control Charts Overview
Attributes control charts are similar in structure to variables control charts, except that they plot statistics from count data
rather than measurement data. For instance, products may be compared against a standard and classified as either being
defective or not. Products may also be classified by their number of defects.

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As with variables control charts, a process statistic, such as the number of defects, is plotted versus a sample number or
time. Minitab draws a center line at the average of the statistic being plotted for the time being charted. Minitab also draws
two other lines − the upper and lower control limits − 3σ above and below the center line, by default.
Control charts for defectives
You can compare a product to a standard and classify it as being defective or not. For example, a length of wire either
meets the strength requirements or not. The control charts for defectives are:
• P Chart, which charts the proportion of defectives in each subgroup
• NP Chart, which charts the number of defectives in each subgroup
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.
Control charts for defects
When a product is complex, a defect does not always result in a defective product. Classifying a product by its number of
defects is sometimes more convenient. For example, you might count the number of scratches on the surface of an
appliance. The control charts for defects are:
• C Chart, which charts the number of defects in each subgroup. Use C Chart when the subgroup size is constant.
• U Chart, which charts the number of defects per unit sampled in each subgroup. Use U Chart when the subgroup size
varies.
For example, if you were counting the number of flaws on the inner surface of a television screen, C Chart would chart the
actual number of flaws, while U Chart would chart the number of flaws per square inch sampled.
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.

Control Charts for Defects Overview

You can create control charts for defects with:
• Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C, which draws a chart of the number of defects in each sample
• Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U, which draws a chart of the number of defects per unit sampled in each
subgroup
Suppose you want to count the number of flaws on the inner surface of a television screen. C charts the actual number of
flaws, while U charts the number of flaws per square inch sampled. See [2], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of
these charts.

Control Charts for Defectives Overview

You can create control charts for defectives with:
• Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > P, which draws a chart of the proportion of defectives in each subgroup
• Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > NP, which draws a chart of the number of defectives in each subgroup
See [2], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.

Use historical values of mu

With C chart and U chart, you assume the process produces data from a population that follows a Poisson distribution.
The mean and variance of this distribution are both denoted by µ. If µ is not specified, Minitab estimates it from the data.
Alternatively, you can enter a known process mean, an estimate obtained from past data, or a goal.

Use historical values of p

With P chart and NP chart, you can assume the process produces data from a population that follows a binomial
distribution. The parameters of the binomial distribution are the sample size, n, and the proportion of defectives, p. If p is
not specified, Minitab estimates it from the data. Alternatively, you can enter an actual known process proportion, an
estimate obtained from past data, or a goal.

References − Attributes Control Charts

[1] Automotive Industry Action Group (1991). Fundamental Statistical Process Control, AIAG, Southfield, MI.
[2] I.W. Burr (1976). Statistical Quality Control Methods, Marcel Dekker, Inc.
[3] E.L. Grant and R.S. Leavenworth (1996). Statistical Quality Control, 7th Edition, McGraw-Hill.
[4] K. Ishikawa (1967). Guide to Quality Control. Asian Productivity Organization.

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[5] V.E. Kane (1989). Defect Prevention: Use of Simple Statistical Tools, 4th edition, Marcel Dekker, Inc.
[6] D.C. Montgomery (2001). Introduction to Statistical Quality Control, 4th edition, John Wiley & Sons.
[7] L.S. Nelson (1984). "The Shewhart Control Chart − Tests for Special Causes," Journal of Quality Technology, 16,
237−239.
[8] T.P. Ryan (2000). Statistical Methods for Quality Improvement, 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons.
[9] H.M. Wadsworth, K.S. Stephens, and A.B. Godfrey, (2001). Modern Methods for Quality Control and Improvement,
2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons.
[10] Western Electric (1956). Statistical Quality Control Handbook. Western Electric Corporation.

P Chart
Attributes Control Charts Overview
Attributes control charts are similar in structure to variables control charts, except that they plot statistics from count data
rather than measurement data. For instance, products may be compared against a standard and classified as either being
defective or not. Products may also be classified by their number of defects.
As with variables control charts, a process statistic, such as the number of defects, is plotted versus a sample number or
time. Minitab draws a center line at the average of the statistic being plotted for the time being charted. Minitab also draws
two other lines − the upper and lower control limits − 3σ above and below the center line, by default.
Control charts for defectives
You can compare a product to a standard and classify it as being defective or not. For example, a length of wire either
meets the strength requirements or not. The control charts for defectives are:
• P Chart, which charts the proportion of defectives in each subgroup
• NP Chart, which charts the number of defectives in each subgroup
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.
Control charts for defects
When a product is complex, a defect does not always result in a defective product. Classifying a product by its number of
defects is sometimes more convenient. For example, you might count the number of scratches on the surface of an
appliance. The control charts for defects are:
• C Chart, which charts the number of defects in each subgroup. Use C Chart when the subgroup size is constant.
• U Chart, which charts the number of defects per unit sampled in each subgroup. Use U Chart when the subgroup size
varies.
For example, if you were counting the number of flaws on the inner surface of a television screen, C Chart would chart the
actual number of flaws, while U Chart would chart the number of flaws per square inch sampled.
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.

P Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > P
Tracks the proportion defective and detects the presence of special causes. Each entry in the worksheet column is the
number of defectives for one subgroup, assumed to have come from a binomial distribution with parameters n and p.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Attributes Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter columns that contain the number of defectives for each sample.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using P Chart Options > Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<P Chart Options>

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Data
Each entry in the worksheet column should contain the number of defectives or defects for a subgroup. When subgroup
sizes are unequal, you must also enter a corresponding column of subgroup sizes.
Suppose you have collected daily data on the number of parts that have been inspected and the number of parts that
failed to pass inspection. On any given day, both numbers may vary. You enter the number that failed to pass inspection
in one column. In this case, the total number inspected varies from day to day, so you enter the subgroup size in another
column:

Failed Inspect
8 968
13 1216
13 1004
16 1101
14 1076
15 995
13 1202
10 1028
24 1184
12 992
P Chart (and U Chart) divide the number of defectives or defects by the subgroup size to get the proportion of defectives,
or defects per unit. NP Chart and C Chart plot raw data.
P Chart, NP Chart, and U Chart handle unequal-sized subgroups. With P Chart and U Chart, the control limits are a
function of the subgroup size, while the center line is always constant. With NP Chart, subgroup sizes that differ affect
both the control limits and the center line. In general, the control limits are further from the center line for smaller
subgroups than they are for larger ones. You can force the control limits and center line to be constant.
When an observation is missing, a gap exists in the chart where the summary statistic for that subgroup would have been
plotted.

To display a P chart
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > P.
2 In Variables, enter columns containing the number of defectives.
3 In Subgroup size, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Options − Parameters
... > control chart Options > Parameters
Charts P, NP
You can enter historical data for estimating p. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate
obtained from past data, enter the value(s). If you do not specify a value for p, Minitab estimates it from the data. You can
omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
By default, Minitab estimates the process proportion defective, p, from the overall sample proportion. Then, Minitab
calculates the center line and control limits using this value.
Dialog box item
Proportion: Enter the historical proportions as constants. If you enter one constant, all stages use that value; otherwise,
enter a value for each historical group.

To use historical values of p

1 In the control chart data source dialog box, click control chart Options.
2 In Proportion, enter the historical proportions as constants.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.
You can enter historical data in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.

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• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts P, NP
You can omit or use certain subgroups to estimate p. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to assignable
causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of p. You can also force
the control limits to be constant when you have unequal sample sizes.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

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Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

To force control limits and center line to be constant

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

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Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

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To split a control chart

Options − Storage
Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > P > P Chart Options > Storage
Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > NP > NP Chart Options > Storage
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Proportions: Check to store the proportions, one row for each historical stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.

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Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point. Minitab assigns each
plotted point one of three values: 1 (beyond upper control limit), − 1 (beyond lower control limit), 0 (in control).

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of P Chart with unequal subgroup sizes

Suppose you work in a plant that manufactures picture tubes for televisions. For each lot, you pull some of the tubes and
do a visual inspection. If a tube has scratches on the inside, you reject it. If a lot has too many rejects, you do a 100%
inspection on that lot. A P chart can define when you need to inspect the whole lot.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts >Attributes Charts > P.
3 In Variables, enter Rejects.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Sampled. Click OK.

Session window output

P Chart of Rejects

Test Results for P Chart of Rejects

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 6

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Graph window output

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Interpreting the results

Sample 6 is outside the upper control limit. Consider inspecting the lot.

NP Chart
Attributes Control Charts Overview
Attributes control charts are similar in structure to variables control charts, except that they plot statistics from count data
rather than measurement data. For instance, products may be compared against a standard and classified as either being
defective or not. Products may also be classified by their number of defects.
As with variables control charts, a process statistic, such as the number of defects, is plotted versus a sample number or
time. Minitab draws a center line at the average of the statistic being plotted for the time being charted. Minitab also draws
two other lines − the upper and lower control limits − 3σ above and below the center line, by default.
Control charts for defectives
You can compare a product to a standard and classify it as being defective or not. For example, a length of wire either
meets the strength requirements or not. The control charts for defectives are:
• P Chart, which charts the proportion of defectives in each subgroup
• NP Chart, which charts the number of defectives in each subgroup
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.
Control charts for defects
When a product is complex, a defect does not always result in a defective product. Classifying a product by its number of
defects is sometimes more convenient. For example, you might count the number of scratches on the surface of an
appliance. The control charts for defects are:
• C Chart, which charts the number of defects in each subgroup. Use C Chart when the subgroup size is constant.
• U Chart, which charts the number of defects per unit sampled in each subgroup. Use U Chart when the subgroup size
varies.
For example, if you were counting the number of flaws on the inner surface of a television screen, C Chart would chart the
actual number of flaws, while U Chart would chart the number of flaws per square inch sampled.
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.

NP Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > NP
Tracks the number of defectives and detects the presence of special causes. Each entry in the worksheet column is the
number of defectives for one subgroup, assumed to have come from a binomial distribution with parameters n and p.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Attributes Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter columns that contain the number of defectives for each sample.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using NP Chart Options > Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<NP Chart Options>

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To display a NP chart
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > NP.
2 In Variables, enter columns containing the number of defectives.
3 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To use historical values of p

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts P, NP

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You can omit or use certain subgroups to estimate p. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to assignable
causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of p. You can also force
the control limits to be constant when you have unequal sample sizes.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter one or more values. The values entered are the number of
standard deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn
for each value in the list.
Place bounds on control limits
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits. If the calculated lower
control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits. If the calculated upper
control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

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To customize the control limits

To force control limits and center line to be constant

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

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Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

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To split a control chart

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To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of NP chart
You work in a toy manufacturing company and your job is to inspect the number of defective bicycle tires. You inspect 200
samples in each lot and then decide to create an NP chart to monitor the number of defectives. To make the NP chart
easier to present at the next staff meeting, you decide to split the chart by every 10 inspection lots.
1 Open the worksheet TOYS.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > NP.
3 In Variables, enter Rejects.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Inspected.
5 Click NP Chart Options, then click the Display tab.
6 Under Split chart into a series of segments for display purposes, choose Each segment contains __
subgroups and enter10.
7 Click OK in each dialog box.

Session window output

NP Chart of Rejects

Test Results for NP Chart of Rejects

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 9, 20

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

Inspection lots 9 and 20 fall above the upper control limit, indicating that special causes may have affected the number of
defectives for these lots. You should investigate what special causes may have influenced the out-of-control number of
bicycle tire defectives for inspection lots 9 and 20.

C Chart
Attributes Control Charts Overview
Attributes control charts are similar in structure to variables control charts, except that they plot statistics from count data
rather than measurement data. For instance, products may be compared against a standard and classified as either being
defective or not. Products may also be classified by their number of defects.
As with variables control charts, a process statistic, such as the number of defects, is plotted versus a sample number or
time. Minitab draws a center line at the average of the statistic being plotted for the time being charted. Minitab also draws
two other lines − the upper and lower control limits − 3σ above and below the center line, by default.
Control charts for defectives
You can compare a product to a standard and classify it as being defective or not. For example, a length of wire either
meets the strength requirements or not. The control charts for defectives are:
• P Chart, which charts the proportion of defectives in each subgroup
• NP Chart, which charts the number of defectives in each subgroup
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.
Control charts for defects
When a product is complex, a defect does not always result in a defective product. Classifying a product by its number of
defects is sometimes more convenient. For example, you might count the number of scratches on the surface of an
appliance. The control charts for defects are:
• C Chart, which charts the number of defects in each subgroup. Use C Chart when the subgroup size is constant.
• U Chart, which charts the number of defects per unit sampled in each subgroup. Use U Chart when the subgroup size
varies.
For example, if you were counting the number of flaws on the inner surface of a television screen, C Chart would chart the
actual number of flaws, while U Chart would chart the number of flaws per square inch sampled.
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.

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C Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C
Tracks the number of defects and detects the presence of special causes. Each entry in the specified column contains the
number of defects for one subgroup, assumed to have come from a Poisson distribution with parameter m. This value is
both the mean and the variance.
By default, the process average number of defects, m, is estimated from the data. This value is the center line on the C
chart. Minitab also uses this value to calculate the control limits.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Attributes Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter columns that contain the number of defectives for each sample.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<C Chart Options>

To display a C chart
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C.
2 In Variables, enter columns containing the number of defects.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Data
C and U require that you have 1 value for each subgroup, which represents the number of defects. For C Chart, you
simply enter the number of defects for each sample into a data column and specify that in the command.
In U Chart, you also specify the subgroup sizes with a subgroup indicator. The subgroup indicator can be either a
constant or a column. If all subgroups are the same size, say 50, enter 50 for the subgroup indicator. If subgroup sizes are
not equal, enter the size of each subgroup into a column and use that column as the subgroup indicator. U Chart then
divides the number of defects by the subgroup size to get defects per unit. See P Chart and NP Chart Data for data entry
examples.

C Chart − Options − Parameters

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C > C Chart Options > Parameters
You can enter historical data for estimating c. For example, if you have a known process parameter or estimates obtained
from past data, you can enter the values. If you do not specify a value for the mean, Minitab estimates it from the data.
You can omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box item
Mean: Enter the historical means as constants. If you enter one constant, all stages use that value; otherwise, enter a
value for each stage.

To use historical values for the mean

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options.
2 In Mean, enter the historical means as constants.
3 Click OK in each dialog box.
You can enter historical data in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

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C Chart Options − Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C > C Chart Options > Estimate
You can omit or use certain subgroups to estimate c. For example, if some observations have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of this
process parameter.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

C Chart − Options − S Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Control Charts > C Chart > C Chart Options > S Limits
Allows you to draw control limits above and below the mean at the multiples of any standard deviation. You can set
bounds on the upper and/or lower control limits. When the calculated upper control limit is greater than the upper bound, a
horizontal line labeled UB is drawn at the upper bound instead. Similarly, if the calculated lower control limit is less than
the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB is drawn at the lower bound instead.
Tip You can also modify the control limits using Minitab's graph editing features.
Dialog box items
Display control limits at
These multiples of the standard deviation: Enter constants. The values entered are the number of standard
deviations above and below the center line. If you specify more than one value, a pair of control limits is drawn for each
value in the list.
Place bounds on control limits
Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits. If the calculated lower
control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits. If the calculated upper
control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper bound instead.

To customize control limits for a C chart

1 In the C chart dialog box, click C Chart Options. Click the S Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• To specify where control limits are drawn: under Display control limits at, enter one or more values in These
multiples of the standard deviation. Each value is the number of standard deviations the lines should be drawn
at, above, and below the mean.

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Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

To perform the tests for special causes

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Tests.
2 Do one of the following:

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• To do all tests, choose Perform all tests for special causes.

• To select certain tests, choose Perform the following tests for special causes and check the tests to perform.
• To perform no tests, choose Perform no tests.
3 Click OK.

To display a historical chart

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Test results
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

To split a control chart

C Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C > C Chart Options > Storage
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the estimates of the means, one row for each historical stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limits and one column for the upper control limits.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point. Minitab assigns each
plotted point one of three values: 1 (beyond upper control limit), − 1 (beyond lower control limit), 0 (in control).

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of C chart with customized control limits

Suppose you work for a linen manufacturer. Each 100 square yards of fabric can contain a certain number of blemishes
before it is rejected. For quality purposes, you want to track the number of blemishes per 100 square yards over a period
of several days, to see if your process is behaving predictably. You want the control chart to show control limits at 1, 2,
and 3 standard deviations above and below the center line.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > C.
3 In Variables, enter Blemish.
4 Click C Chart Options, then click the S Limits tab.
5 Under Display control limits at, enter 1 2 3 in These multiples of the standard deviation.
6 Under Place bounds on control limits, check Lower standard deviation limit bound and enter0.
7 Click OK in each dialog box.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

Because the points fall in a random pattern, within the bounds of the 3σ control limits, you conclude the process is
behaving predictably and is in control.

U Chart
Attributes Control Charts Overview
Attributes control charts are similar in structure to variables control charts, except that they plot statistics from count data
rather than measurement data. For instance, products may be compared against a standard and classified as either being
defective or not. Products may also be classified by their number of defects.
As with variables control charts, a process statistic, such as the number of defects, is plotted versus a sample number or
time. Minitab draws a center line at the average of the statistic being plotted for the time being charted. Minitab also draws
two other lines − the upper and lower control limits − 3σ above and below the center line, by default.
Control charts for defectives
You can compare a product to a standard and classify it as being defective or not. For example, a length of wire either
meets the strength requirements or not. The control charts for defectives are:
• P Chart, which charts the proportion of defectives in each subgroup
• NP Chart, which charts the number of defectives in each subgroup
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.
Control charts for defects
When a product is complex, a defect does not always result in a defective product. Classifying a product by its number of
defects is sometimes more convenient. For example, you might count the number of scratches on the surface of an
appliance. The control charts for defects are:
• C Chart, which charts the number of defects in each subgroup. Use C Chart when the subgroup size is constant.
• U Chart, which charts the number of defects per unit sampled in each subgroup. Use U Chart when the subgroup size
varies.
For example, if you were counting the number of flaws on the inner surface of a television screen, C Chart would chart the
actual number of flaws, while U Chart would chart the number of flaws per square inch sampled.
See [1], [3], [6], [8], [9], and [10] for a discussion of these charts.

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U Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U
Tracks the number of defects per unit sampled and detects the presence of special causes. Each entry in the worksheet
column is the number of defects in a sample (or subgroup), assumed to come from a Poisson distribution with the
parameter m, which is both the mean and the variance.
By default, Minitab estimates the process average number of defects, m, from the data. This value is the center line.
Minitab also calculates the control limits using this value.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Attributes Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter columns that contain the number of defects per unit sampled.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using U Chart Options > Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<U Chart Options>

To display a U chart
1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U.
2 In Variables, enter one or more columns containing the number of defects per unit.
3 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

U Chart − Options − Parameters

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U > U Chart Options > Parameters
You can enter historical data for estimating u. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate
obtained from past data, you can enter the value(s). If you do not specify a value for the mean, Minitab estimates it from
the data. You can omit or include certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box item
Mean: Enter the historical means as constants.

To use historical values for the mean

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U Chart Options − Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U > U Chart Options > Estimate
You can omit certain subgroups from the estimation of u. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters. You can also force the control limits to be straight if you have unequal sample sizes.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

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subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

To force control limits and center line to be constant

Test 1 1 point more than 3σ from center line Test 2 9 points in a row on same side of center line

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Test 3 6 points in a row, all increasing or all decreasing Test 4 14 points in a row, alternating up and down

Dialog box items

To perform the tests for special causes

To display a historical chart

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Control Charts

To split a control chart

U Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U > U Chart Options > Storage
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the estimates of the means, one row for each historical stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.

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To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of U chart
As production manager of a toy manufacturing company, you want to monitor the number of defects per unit of motorized
toy cars. You inspect 20 units of toys and create a U chart to examine the number of defects in each unit of toys. You
want the U chart to feature straight control limits, so you fix a subgroup size of 102 (the average number of toys per unit).
1 Open the worksheet TOYS.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Attributes Charts > U.
3 In Variables, enter Defects.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Sample.
5 Click U Chart Options, then click the Display tab.
6 Under When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits, choose Assuming all subgroups have size
then enter 102.
7 Click OK in each dialog box.

Session window output

U Chart of Defects

Test Results for U Chart of Defects

TEST 1. One point more than 3.00 standard deviations from center line.
Test Failed at points: 5, 6

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Graph window output

Interpreting the results

Units 5 and 6 are above the upper control limit line, indicating that special causes may have affected the number of
defects in these units. You should investigate what special causes may have influenced the out-of-control number of
motorized toy car defects for these units.

Time-weighted Charts
Moving Average
Time-Weighted Control Charts Overview
data
With the exception of moving average charts, Minitab's time-weighted control charts are weighted either by previous
subgroup means or a target value. The advantage of using time-weighted control charts is the ability to detect small shifts
from the target value.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a time-weighted control chart
Minitab offers three time-weighted control charts:
• Moving Average − a chart of unweighted moving averages
• EWMA − a chart of exponentially weighted moving averages
• CUSUM − a chart of the cumulative sum of the deviations from a nominal specification
EWMA, Moving Average, and CUSUM produce control charts for either data in subgroups or individual observations.
Typically, you use these charts to evaluate the process level. However, you can also use EWMA and CUSUM charts to
plot control charts for subgroup ranges or standard deviations to evaluate process variation. See [10] and [23] for a
discussion.

Moving Average Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > Moving Average
A moving average chart is a chart of "moving averages" − averages calculated from artificial subgroups that are created
from consecutive observations. The observations can be either individual measurements or subgroup means. This chart is
generally not preferred over an EWMA chart because it does not weight the observations as the EWMA does.
When data are in subgroups, the mean of all the observations in each subgroup is calculated. Moving averages are then
formed from these means. By default, the process standard deviation, σ, is estimated using a pooled standard deviation.

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You can also base the estimate on the average of subgroup ranges or subgroup standard deviations, or enter a historical
value for σ.
When you have individual observations, moving averages are formed from the individual observations. By default, σ is
estimated σ, with MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range divided by an unbiasing constant. Moving ranges are
artificial subgroups created from consecutive measurements. The moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values
have the greatest chance of being alike. You can also estimate σ using the median of the moving range, change the
length of the moving range, or enter a historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Time-Weighted Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using MA Option > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
Length of MA: Enter the length of the moving averages. The value you enter is the number of subgroup means to be
included in each average. If you have individual observations (that is, you specified a subgroup size of 1), Minitab uses
them in place of the subgroup means in all calculations.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<MA Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

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Control Charts

To display a moving average chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > Moving Average.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

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To change the length of the moving average

In the moving average chart main dialog box, enter the number of subgroup means to be included in each average in
Length of MA. The default is 3. If you have individual observations (that is you specified a subgroup size of 1), these are
used in place of the subgroup means in all calculations.

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

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Median moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Square root of MSSD: Choose to estimate σ using the square root of MSSD (1/2 the mean of the squared
successive differences).
Subgroup Size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Length of moving range: Check to enter the number of observations used to calculate the moving range. By default, a
span of two is used because consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

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Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

To force control limits and center line to be constant

To display a historical chart

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To do the Box-Cox power transformation

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To split a control chart

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

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Example of moving average chart

As the distribution manager at a limestone quarry, you want to monitor the weight (in pounds) in 45 batches of limestone
that are shipped weekly to an important client. Each batch should weight approximately 930 pounds. You previously
created an I-MR chart. Now you want to examine the same data using a moving average chart.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted charts > Moving Average.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Weight.
4 In Subgroup sizes, type 1. Click OK.

Session window output

Moving Average Chart of Weight

Test Results for Moving Average Chart of Weight

TEST. One point beyond control limits.

Test Failed at points: 5, 7, 24, 30, 31, 32, 33, 44, 45

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The moving average chart shows nine points outside of the control limits. You should closely examine the quarry's
processes to improve control over the weight of the limestone shipments.

EWMA Chart
Time-Weighted Control Charts Overview
data
With the exception of moving average charts, Minitab's time-weighted control charts are weighted either by previous
subgroup means or a target value. The advantage of using time-weighted control charts is the ability to detect small shifts
from the target value.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.

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Choosing a time-weighted control chart

Minitab offers three time-weighted control charts:
• Moving Average − a chart of unweighted moving averages
• EWMA − a chart of exponentially weighted moving averages
• CUSUM − a chart of the cumulative sum of the deviations from a nominal specification
EWMA, Moving Average, and CUSUM produce control charts for either data in subgroups or individual observations.
Typically, you use these charts to evaluate the process level. However, you can also use EWMA and CUSUM charts to
plot control charts for subgroup ranges or standard deviations to evaluate process variation. See [10] and [23] for a
discussion.

EWMA Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > EWMA
A chart of exponentially weighted moving averages. Each EWMA point incorporates information from all the previous
subgroups or observations. EWMA charts can be custom tailored to detect any size shift in the process. Because of this,
they are often used to monitor in-control processes for detecting small shifts away from the target.
The plot points can be based on either subgroup means or individual observations. When data are in subgroups, the
mean of all the observations in each subgroup is calculated. Exponentially weighted moving averages are then formed
from these means. By default, the process standard deviation, σ, is estimated using a pooled standard deviation. You can
also base the estimate on the average of subgroup ranges or subgroup standard deviations, or enter a historical value for
σ.
When you have individual observations, exponentially weighted moving averages are formed from the individual
observations. By default, σ is estimated with MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range divided by an unbiasing
constant. Moving ranges are artificial subgroups created from the individual measurements. The moving range is of length
2, since consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. You can also estimate σ using the median of the
moving range, change the length of the moving range, or enter an historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Time-Weighted Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to
force the control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using EWMA Options > Estimate.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
Weight for EWMA: Enter the weight to be used in the exponentially weighted moving average. The value specified must
be a number between 0 and 1. By changing the weight used and the number of standard deviations for the control limits,
you can construct a chart with specific properties. You can choose combinations of these two parameters by using an
ARL (Average Run Length) table. See [17] for an extensive table.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<EWMA Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

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Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

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To make an EWMA chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > EWMA.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To use historical mean and standard deviation values

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Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and σ,
then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup Size = 1
Average moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the average of the moving range.
Median moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Square root of MSSD: Choose to estimate σ using the square root of MSSD (1/2 the mean of the squared
successive differences).
Subgroup Size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Length of moving range: Check to enter the number of observations used to calculate the moving range. By default, a
span of two is used because consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

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Place bounds on control limits

Lower standard deviation limit bound: Check to set a lower bound for the control limits. If the calculated lower
control limit is less than the lower bound, a horizontal line labeled LB will be drawn at the lower bound instead.
Upper standard deviation limit bound: Check to set an upper bound for the control limits. If the calculated upper
control limit is greater than the upper bound, a horizontal line labeled UB will be drawn at the upper bound instead.
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To customize the control limits

To force control limits and center line to be constant

Options − Stages
... > control chart Options > Stages
Charts All charts except Z-MR
You can display stages in your process by drawing a "historical chart" − a control chart in which the control limits and
center line are estimated independently for different groups in your data. Historical charts are particularly useful for
comparing data before and after a process improvement.
Note With the following charts, you must have at least one subgroup with two or more observations: R, S, X-bar
and R, and X-bar and S.
Dialog box items
Define stages (historical groups) with this variable: Enter the column that contains the stage indicators.
When to start a new stage
With each new value: Choose to start a new stage each time the value in the column changes.
With the first occurrence of these values: Choose to start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, then
enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than once;
Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.

To display a historical chart

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The column must be the same length as the data column (or columns, when subgroups are across rows).
1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options.
2 Click the Stages tab.
3 In Define stages (historical groups) with this variable, enter the column which contains the stage indicators.
4 Under When to start a new value, do one of the following:
• To start a new stage each time the value in the column changes, choose With each new value.
• To start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, choose With the first occurrence of these values.
Enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than
once; Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.
5 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

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To split a control chart

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To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of EWMA Chart

In the following example, Weight contains the weight in pounds of each batch of raw material.
1 Open the worksheet EXH_QC.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts >Time-weighted Charts > EWMA.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter Weight.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5. Click OK.

Session window output

EWMA Chart of Weight

Test Results for EWMA Chart of Weight

TEST. One point beyond control limits.

Test Failed at points: 2, 3, 4, 5

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The EWMAs for sample numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5 fall below the lower control limit, suggesting small shifts away from the
target.

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CUSUM Chart
Time-Weighted Control Charts Overview
data
With the exception of moving average charts, Minitab's time-weighted control charts are weighted either by previous
subgroup means or a target value. The advantage of using time-weighted control charts is the ability to detect small shifts
from the target value.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a time-weighted control chart
Minitab offers three time-weighted control charts:
• Moving Average − a chart of unweighted moving averages
• EWMA − a chart of exponentially weighted moving averages
• CUSUM − a chart of the cumulative sum of the deviations from a nominal specification
EWMA, Moving Average, and CUSUM produce control charts for either data in subgroups or individual observations.
Typically, you use these charts to evaluate the process level. However, you can also use EWMA and CUSUM charts to
plot control charts for subgroup ranges or standard deviations to evaluate process variation. See [10] and [23] for a
discussion.

CUSUM Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > CUSUM
Displays the cumulative sums of the deviations of each sample value from the target value. You can plot a chart based on
subgroup means or individual observations. With in-control processes, both the CUSUM chart and EWMA chart are good
at detecting small shifts away from the target.
You can display two types of CUSUM charts. The default chart includes two one-sided CUSUMs. The upper CUSUM
detects upward shifts in the level of the process, the lower CUSUM detects downward shifts. This chart uses control limits
(UCL and LCL) to determine when an out-of-control situation has occurred. See [24] and [26] for a discussion of one-
sided CUSUMs.
You can also plot one two-sided CUSUM. This chart uses a V-mask, rather than the usual 3σ control limits, to determine
when a process is out-of-control. See [15] and [28] for a discussion of the V-mask chart.
When data are in subgroups, the mean of all the observations in each subgroup is calculated. CUSUM statistics are then
formed from these means. All subgroups must be the same size. By default, the process standard deviation, σ, is
estimated using a pooled standard deviation. You can also base the estimate on the average of subgroup ranges or
subgroup standard deviations, or enter a historical value for σ.
When you have individual observations, CUSUM statistics are formed from the individual observations. By default, σ is
estimated σ, with MRbar / d2, the average of the moving range divided by an unbiasing constant. Moving ranges are
artificial subgroups created from the individual measurements. The moving range is of length 2, since consecutive values
have the greatest chance of being alike. You can also estimate σ using the median of the moving range, change the
length of the moving range, or enter an historical value for σ.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Time-Weighted Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
All observations for a chart are in one column: Choose if data are in one or more columns, then enter the columns.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts.
Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns: Choose if subgroups are arranged in rows across several
columns, then enter the columns.
Target: Enter a number to use as a target. CUSUM statistics are cumulative deviations from this target, or nominal,
specification.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Multiple Graphs>
<Data Options>
<CUSUM Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Organize the data for all variables control charts in the same way. Variables charts include:
• Variables charts for subgroups

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• Variables charts for individuals

• Time-weighted charts
• Multivariate charts
Structure your data for these charts using the guidelines below.
Worksheet Structure
Structure your data down a column or across rows, using the following table as a guide. Multivariate data must be entered
down columns, with one column for each variable.

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
(more than one column
variable)

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Control Charts

exploratory tool to help you determine the best lambda value for the transformation. Then, you can use the transformation
option to transform the data at the same time you draw the control chart.
For information on the stand alone Box-Cox transformation command, see Box-Cox Transformation.
For information on the Box-Cox transformation option, see Options − Box-Cox.
Missing data
See Missing data in control charts for information on how to handle missing data for different types of control charts.

To plot two one-sided CUSUMs

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > CUSUM.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 Click CUSUM Options, then click the Plan/Type tab.
4 Under Type of CUSUM, choose One-sided (LCL, UCL).
5 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK in each dialog box.

To plot one two-sided (V-mask) CUSUM

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > CUSUM.
2 Do one of the following:
• If subgroups are in one or more columns, choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter
one or more columns. In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
• If subgroups are in rows, choose Observations for a subgroup are in one row of columns, then enter a series
of columns.
3 Click CUSUM Options, then click the Plan/Type tab.
4 Under Type of CUSUM, choose Two-sided (V-mask).
5 In Center on subgroup, enter the subgroup number on which to center the V-mask, then click OK in each dialog box.

To use historical standard deviation values

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimate
Charts Zone, Moving Average, EWMA, CUSUM

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Omit or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters. You can also select one of several methods to estimate σ, change the length of the moving range, and use
biased estimates of σ.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.
You can also set preferences for the estimation of σ and the length of the moving range for all Minitab sessions using
Tools > Options > Control Charts and Quality Tools > Estimating Standard Deviation. When you set options, all affected
dialog box settings automatically reflect your preferences.

Caution When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 from the parameter estimation (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because
Minitab considers an omitted sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as
the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of the data to omit from the
computations for µ and σ, then enter individual subgroup numbers or ranges of subgroups. Enter entire subgroups, not
individual observations. To omit one observation from a sample, change that value to missing (∗) in the worksheet.
Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and σ,
then enter individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.
Method for estimating standard deviation: See [2] for a discussion of the relative merits of the methods listed below.
Subgroup Size = 1
Average moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the average of the moving range.
Median moving range: Choose to estimate σ using the median of the moving range.
Square root of MSSD: Choose to estimate σ using the square root of MSSD (1/2 the mean of the squared
successive differences).
Subgroup Size > 1
Rbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup ranges.
Sbar: Choose to estimate σ based on the average of the subgroup standard deviations.
Pooled standard deviation: Choose to estimate σ using a pooled standard deviation.
Length of moving range: Check to enter the number of observations used to calculate the moving range. By default, a
span of two is used because consecutive values have the greatest chance of being alike. The span must be < 100.
Use unbiasing constant: Uncheck to use biased estimates of σ.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

To choose how the standard deviation is estimated

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Estimate tab.
2 Under Estimating standard deviation, choose a method. Then click OK.

Note When you use Omit the following samples when estimating parameters with Length of moving range,
Minitab excludes any moving ranges with omitted data from the calculations.

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CUSUM Chart − Options − Plan/Type

Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > CUSUM > CUSUM Options > Plan/Type
Allows you to choose and define the CUSUM.
Dialog box items
Type of CUSUM
One-sided (LCL, UCL): Click to generate two one-sided CUSUMs. Use the upper CUSUM to detect upward shifts in
the level of the process and the lower CUSUM to detect downward shifts. This chart uses an UCL and an LCL to
determine when a process is out-of-control. See [24] and [26] for a discussion of one-sided CUSUMs.
Use FIR: Check to use the FIR (Fast Initial Response) method to initialize the one-sided CUSUM.
Number of standard deviations: Enter the number of standard deviations above and below the center line.
Normally they are initialized at 0, but if the process is out of control at startup, the CUSUMs will not detect the
situation for several subgroups. This method has been shown by [15] to reduce the number of subgroups needed
to detect problems at startup.
Reset after each signal: Check to reset the CUSUMs to their initial values whenever an out-of-control signal is
generated. When a process goes out of control, an attempt should be made to find and eliminate the cause of the
problem. If the problem has been corrected, the CUSUMs should be reset to their initial values.
Two-sided (V-mask): Click to generate a single two-sided CUSUM that uses a V-mask to determine when a process is
out-of-control. See [15] and [28] for a discussion of the V-mask chart.
Center on subgroup: Enter a subgroup number on which to center the V-mask. If no value is entered, Minitab
centers the V-mask on the last subgroup.
CUSUM Plan: These values are often selected from ARL (Average Run Length) tables. See [15] and [16].
h: Type a value greater than 0 for h. For one-sided CUSUMs, h is the number of standard deviations between the
center line and the control limits. For two-sided CUSUMs (V-mask), Minitab calculates the half-width of the V-mask (H)
at the point of origination by H = h * σ. You can select h using an ARL table. See [15] and [16].
k: Type a value greater than 0 for k. For one-sided CUSUMs, k is the allowable "slack" in the process. For two-sided
CUSUMs, k is the slope of the V-mask arms. You can select k using an ARL table. See [15] and [16].
When subgroup sizes are unequal, calculate control limits/V-mask
Using actual sizes of the subgroups: Choose to use the subgroups defined in the main dialog box to estimate σ.
Assuming all subgroups have size: Choose to estimate the control limits using a specified subgroup size, then type
the subgroup size. When subgroup sizes are not equal, each control limit is not a single straight line, but varies with the
subgroup size. If the sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control limits to be constant by entering a
sample size in this text box. Only the control limits are affected; the plotted data are not changed.

To specify a different CUSUM plan (h and k)

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > CUSUM.
2 Click CUSUM Options, then click the Plan/Type tab.
3 Do one or both of the following, then click OK:
• In h, type a value greater than zero. The default value is 4.
• In k, type a value greater than zero. The default value is 0.5.

Dialog box items

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With the first occurrence of these values: Choose to start a new stage at the first occurrence of a certain value, then
enter the values. Enclose date/time or text entries in double quotes. You can enter the same value more than once;
Minitab treats each repeated value as a separate occurrence.

To display a historical chart

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Box-Cox tab.
2 Check Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda), then do one of the following:

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• Choose Lambda = 0 (natural log) to use the natural log of the data.
• Choose Lambda=0.5 (square root) to use the square root of the data.
• Choose Optimal lambda to have Minitab search for an optimal value for all stages.
• Choose Optimal lambda for each stage (in a chart with stages) to have Minitab search for optimal values for
each stage.
• Choose Other (enter value(s) between -5 and 5) to transform the data using another lambda value or values,
then enter one or more values.
For help choosing a lambda value, see the independent Box-Cox transformation command Stat > Control Charts >
Box-Cox Transformation.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

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Standard deviations: Check to store the estimates of the standard deviations, one row for each stage.
Stores these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limit and one column for the upper control limit.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of two one-sided CUSUM charts

Suppose you work at a car assembly plant in a department that assembles engines. In an operating engine, parts of the
crankshaft move up and down a certain distance from an ideal baseline position. AtoBDist is the distance (in mm) from the
actual (A) position of a point on the crankshaft to the baseline (B) position.
To ensure production quality, take five measurements each working day, from September 28 through October 15, and
then ten per day from the 18th through the 25th. You already displayed an X-bar chart and an R chart of this data. On the
X-bar chart, subgroup 5 failed a test for special causes. Now, to look for small shifts away from the target, you want to plot
the CUSUMs.
1 Open the worksheet CRANKSH.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Time-weighted Charts > CUSUM.
3 Choose All observations for a chart are in one column, then enter AtoBDist.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter 5. Click OK.

Session window output

CUSUM Chart of AtoBDist

Test Results for CUSUM Chart of AtoBDist

TEST. One point beyond control limits.

Test Failed at points: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The CUSUMs for subgroups 4 through 10 fall outside the upper control limit, suggesting small shifts away from the target.

Multivariate Charts
Tsquared - Generalized Variance Chart
Multivariate Control Charts Overview
data
Display statistics from two or more related measurement variables. A multivariate chart shows how several variables
jointly influence a process or outcome. For example, you can use multivariate control charts to investigate how the tensile
strength and diameter of a fiber affect the quality of fabric.
If the data include correlated variables, the use of separate control charts is misleading because the variables jointly affect
the process. If you use separate univariate control charts in a multivariate situation, Type I error and the probability of a
point correctly plotting in control are not equal to their expected values. The distortion of these values increases with the
number of measurement variables.
Multivariate control charting has several advantages over creating multiple univariate charts:
• The actual control region of the related variables is represented (elliptical for bivariate case).
• You can maintain a specific Type I error.
• A single control limit determines whether the process is in control.
However, multivariate charts are more difficult to interpret than classic Shewhart control charts. For example, the scale on
multivariate charts is unrelated to the scale of any of the variables, and out-of-control signals do not reveal which variable
(or combination of variables) caused the signal.
To determine whether you should use a univariate or multivariate chart, create a correlation matrix of your variables. If the
correlation coefficients are greater than 0.1, you can assume the variables are correlated, and it is appropriate to create a
multivariate control chart.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a multivariate control chart
Minitab offers four multivariate control charts:
• T2 and Generalized Variance − a T2 chart and Generalized Variance chart displayed in one window
• T2 − a multivariate chart of means
• Generalized Variance − a multivariate chart of process variability
• Multivariate EWMA − a multivariate chart of exponentially weighted moving averages

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Control Charts

T2 and Generalized Variance Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared-Generalized Variance
The T2 and generalized variance chart is the multivariate counterpart to the Xbar-R, Xbar-S, and I-MR charts. You can use
this chart to simultaneously assess whether the process mean and variation are in control.
Minitab draws the T2 chart in the upper half of the display; the generalized variance chart appears in the bottom half.
Because Minitab displays both charts together, you can track the process level and process variation simultaneously. You
can also detect the presence of special causes.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Multivariate Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter at least two columns of data.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a single
straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the control
limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Tsq-GV Options > Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Data Options>
<Tsq-GV Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
column
variable)
Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator
Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

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Control Charts

To display a T2 and generalized variance chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared-Generalized Variance.
2 In Variables, enter at least two columns containing variables to control.
3 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Decomposed T2 Statistic
A T2 chart indicates when a process is out of control, but it does not provide information on which variable or set of
variables is out of control. However, Minitab can decompose the T2 statistic to find out each variable's contribution to the
T2 statistic. Minitab uses the F distribution to test the significance of the out-of-control points. Minitab indicates which
points are out of control in the Session window, along with the p-value for each significant variable. See Example of T2
chart.

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Control Charts

You can store the decomposed T2 values.

Note Minitab can perform decomposition only when there are two or more observations in an stage.

Options − Parameters
... > control chart Options > Parameters
Charts T2 and Generalized Variance, T2
Enter historical data for estimating µ and Σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate obtained
from past data, you can enter this value or values. If you do not specify a value for the mean or the covariance matrix,
Minitab estimates it from the data. You can omit certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box items
Mean: Enter the historical µ's as a single value or a list of values. If you enter one constant, all stages use that value;
otherwise, enter a value for each stage.
Covariance matrix
Matrix: Enter one or more matrices for estimating the covariance matrix. Each matrix must be a positive definite square
matrix with the same number of rows and columns as columns of data. The elements on the matrix diagonal must be
positive. Element (i,j) must equal element (j,i). If you enter only one matrix, all stages use that covariance matrix;
otherwise, enter a matrix for each stage.
Number of samples used to estimate covariance: Enter the number of samples used to estimate the covariance
matrix. The number of samples must be equal to the number of matrices. If you want each stage to use its own
covariance matrix, enter the same number of matrices and samples as stages.

To use a historical mean and covariance matrix

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Parameters.
2 In Mean, enter one or more values.
3 Under Covariance matrix, in Matrix, enter one or more matrices. In Number of samples used to calculate
covariance, type the number of samples.
4 Click OK.
You can enter the historical mean values in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimates
Charts T2 and Generalized Variance, T2, MEWMA
Omits or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and Σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.

Note When you include or exclude rows using control chart > Data Options > Subset and also omit or use samples
to estimate parameters, the omitted or used samples apply to the entire data set, not just the subsetted data.
For example, you exclude subgroup 1 from your analysis (using control chart > Data Options > Subset), then
decide to omit subgroup 2 (using control chart Options > Estimate). Because Minitab considers an omitted
sample (subgroup 1) as part of the entire data set, you must enter subgroup 2 as the subgroup to omit.
Dialog box items
Omit the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of the data to omit from the
computations for µ and Σ, then type individual subgroup numbers or ranges of subgroups. Enter entire subgroups, not
individual observations. To omit one observation from a subgroup, change that value to missing (∗) in the worksheet.
Use the following samples when estimating parameters: Choose to specify subgroups of data to compute µ and Σ,
then type individual subgroup numbers or a range of subgroups.

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Control Charts

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

T2 and Generalized Variance Chart − Options − Confidence Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared-Generalized Variance > Tsq-GV Options > Confidence
Limits
Specifies the confidence limit positions for the T2 and generalized variance charts.
Dialog box items
Display confidence limits at
These percents: Enter one or more values or enter a column of values. Use proportion values (between 0 and 1) or
percent values (between 1 and 100).
Place bounds on confidence limits of Tsquared chart
Lower confidence limit bound: Check to set the lower confidence limit bound, then type the lower limit (must be
greater than 0) for the T2 chart. If the calculated lower confidence limit is less than the lower bound, Minitab draws a
horizontal line labeled LB at the lower bound instead.
Upper confidence limit bound: Check to set the upper confidence limit bound, then type the upper limit (must be
greater than 0) for the T2 chart. If the calculated upper confidence limit is greater than the upper bound, Minitab draws a
horizontal line labeled UB at the upper bound instead.
Place bounds on confidence limits of Generalized variance chart
Lower confidence limit bound: Check to set the lower confidence limit bound, then type the lower limit (must be
greater than 0) for the generalized variance chart. If the calculated lower confidence limit is less than the lower bound,
Minitab draws a horizontal line labeled LB at the lower bound instead.
Upper confidence limit bound: Check to set the upper confidence limit bound, then type the upper limit (must be
greater than 0) for the generalized variance chart. If the calculated upper confidence limit is greater than the upper
bound, Minitab draws a horizontal line labeled UB at the upper bound instead.

To specify confidence limits

1 In control chart data source dialog box, click Tsq-GV Options. Click the Confidence Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• Under Display confidence limits at, enter one or more values or enter a column of values in These percents.
Enter proportion values (between 0 and 1) or percent values (between 1 and 100).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits of Tsquared chart, check Lower confidence limit bound, then type
the lower confidence limit (greater than 0).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits of Tsquared chart, check Upper confidence limit bound, then type
the upper confidence limit (greater than 0).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits of Generalized variance chart, check Lower confidence limit
bound, then type the lower confidence limit (greater than 0).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits of Generalized variance chart, check Upper confidence limit
bound, then type the upper confidence limit (greater than 0).
3 Click OK.

Options − Stages
... > control chart Options > Stages
Charts All charts except Z-MR

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To display a historical chart

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Control Charts

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

To split a control chart

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Options − Storage
Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage
Charts T2, T2 and Generalized Variance
Use to store your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the estimates of the means, one row for each historical stage.
Covariance matrices: Check to store the estimated covariance matrices, one row for each historical stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limit and one column for the upper control limit.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point. Minitab assigns each
plotted point one of three values: 1 (beyond upper control limit), -1 (beyond lower control limit), 0 (in control).
Decomposed Tsquared values: Check to store the decomposed T2 values.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of T2 and generalized variance chart

You are a hospital manager interested in monitoring patient satisfaction ratings through the month of January. You
randomly ask 5 patients each day to complete a short questionnaire about their stay at the hospital before they check out.
Because satisfaction and length of stay are correlated, you previously created a T2 chart to monitor satisfaction ratings (on
scale of 1− 7) and length of stay (in days). You want to create T2 and generalized variance charts to simultaneously
monitor the mean and variability of satisfactions ratings and length of stay.
1 Open the worksheet HOSPITAL.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared-Generalized Variance.
3 In Variables, enter Stay Satisfaction.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Departure. Click OK.

Session window output

Tsquared-Generalized Variance Chart of Stay, Satisfaction

Test Results for Tsquared Chart of Stay, Satisfaction

Point Variable P-Value

Greater Than UCL 18 Stay 0.0072
Satisfaction 0.0010
19 Satisfaction 0.0000

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

The T2 chart shows two out-of-control points: January 18 and 19. The Session window results indicate that each variable
contributes significantly to January 18. However, Satisfaction is the only variable that is out of control for January 19. You
should investigate what special causes − perhaps hospital heating problems or interrupted food service − may have
affected length of stay and satisfaction rating for those two days.
The generalized variance chart shows that the joint variability in length of stay and satisfaction ratings remains in control
over the 30-day period.

Tsquared Chart
Multivariate Control Charts Overview
data
Display statistics from two or more related measurement variables. A multivariate chart shows how several variables
jointly influence a process or outcome. For example, you can use multivariate control charts to investigate how the tensile
strength and diameter of a fiber affect the quality of fabric.
If the data include correlated variables, the use of separate control charts is misleading because the variables jointly affect
the process. If you use separate univariate control charts in a multivariate situation, Type I error and the probability of a
point correctly plotting in control are not equal to their expected values. The distortion of these values increases with the
number of measurement variables.
Multivariate control charting has several advantages over creating multiple univariate charts:
• The actual control region of the related variables is represented (elliptical for bivariate case).
• You can maintain a specific Type I error.
• A single control limit determines whether the process is in control.
However, multivariate charts are more difficult to interpret than classic Shewhart control charts. For example, the scale on
multivariate charts is unrelated to the scale of any of the variables, and out-of-control signals do not reveal which variable
(or combination of variables) caused the signal.
To determine whether you should use a univariate or multivariate chart, create a correlation matrix of your variables. If the
correlation coefficients are greater than 0.1, you can assume the variables are correlated, and it is appropriate to create a
multivariate control chart.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a multivariate control chart
Minitab offers four multivariate control charts:
• T2 and Generalized Variance − a T2 chart and Generalized Variance chart displayed in one window
• T2 − a multivariate chart of means
• Generalized Variance − a multivariate chart of process variability

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Control Charts

• Multivariate EWMA − a multivariate chart of exponentially weighted moving averages

T2 Chart
Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared
The T2 control chart is the multivariate version of the X-bar chart (or the Individuals chart for individual observations). Its
purpose is to assess whether several variables are simultaneously in control. For example, to monitor the quality of
automobile tire casings, you can simultaneously measure three variables: weight, temperature, and percentage of
polyester.
Before using a multivariate control chart, you need to make sure that a dependence exists between the variables. If you
assume the variables are independent, then you do not need a multivariate control chart.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Multivariate Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter at least two columns of data.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Tsquared Options > Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Data Options>
<Tsquared Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
variable) column

Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator

Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

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Control Charts

To display a Tsquared chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared.
2 In Variables, enter at least two columns containing variables to control.
3 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

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Control Charts

You can store the decomposed T2 values.

Note Minitab can perform decomposition only when there are two or more observations in an stage.

To use a historical mean and covariance matrix

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Control Charts

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

Options − Confidence Limits

... > control chart Options > Confidence Limits
Charts T2, Generalized Variance
Specifies the confidence limit positions.
Dialog box items
Display confidence limits at
These percents: Enter one or more values or enter a column of values. Use proportion values (between 0 and 1) or
percent values (between 1 and 100).
Place bounds on confidence limits
Lower confidence limit bound: Check to set the lower confidence limit bound, then type the lower limit (must be
greater than 0) for the T2 chart. If the calculated lower confidence limit is less than the lower bound, Minitab draws a
horizontal line labeled LB at the lower bound instead.
Upper confidence limit bound: Check to set the upper confidence limit bound, then type the upper limit (must be
greater than 0) for the T2 chart. If the calculated upper confidence limit is greater than the upper bound, Minitab draws a
horizontal line labeled UB at the upper bound instead.

To specify confidence limits

1 In control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Confidence Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:
• Under Display confidence limits at, enter one or more values or enter a column of values in These percents.
Enter proportion values (between 0 and 1) or percent values (between 1 and 100).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits, check Lower confidence limit bound, then type the lower
confidence limit (greater than 0).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits, check Upper confidence limit bound, then type the upper
confidence limit (greater than 0).
3 Click OK.

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Control Charts

To display a historical chart

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

1 In the control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Box-Cox tab.
2 Check Box-Cox power transformation (W = Y**Lambda), then do one of the following:

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Control Charts

To split a control chart

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Control Charts

Covariance matrices: Check to store the estimated covariance matrices, one row for each historical stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the plotted points, one row for each plotted point.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limit and one column for the upper control limit.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the results of any test performed, one row for each plotted point. Minitab assigns each
plotted point one of three values: 1 (beyond upper control limit), -1 (beyond lower control limit), 0 (in control).
Decomposed Tsquared values: Check to store the decomposed T2 values.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of T2 chart
You are a hospital manager interested in monitoring patient satisfaction ratings through the month of January. You
randomly ask 5 patients each day to complete a short questionnaire about their stay at the hospital before they check out.
Because satisfaction and length of stay are correlated, you create a T2 chart to simultaneously monitor satisfactions
ratings (on scale of 1−7) and length of stay (in days).
1 Open the worksheet HOSPITAL.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Tsquared.
3 In Variables, enter Stay Satisfaction.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts, then click OK.

Session window output

Tsquared Chart of Stay, Satisfaction

Test Results for Tsquared Chart of Stay, Satisfaction

Point Variable P-Value

Greater Than UCL 18 Stay 0.0072
Satisfaction 0.0010
19 Satisfaction 0.0000

* WARNING * If graph is updated with new data, the results above may no
* longer be correct.

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Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

Two points are out of control: January 18 and 19. The Session window results indicate that each variable contributes
significantly to January 18. However, Satisfaction is the only variable that is out of control for January 19. You should
investigate what special causes − perhaps hospital heating problems or interrupted food service − may have affected
length of stay and satisfaction rating for those 2 days.

Generalized Variance
Multivariate Control Charts Overview
data
Display statistics from two or more related measurement variables. A multivariate chart shows how several variables
jointly influence a process or outcome. For example, you can use multivariate control charts to investigate how the tensile
strength and diameter of a fiber affect the quality of fabric.
If the data include correlated variables, the use of separate control charts is misleading because the variables jointly affect
the process. If you use separate univariate control charts in a multivariate situation, Type I error and the probability of a
point correctly plotting in control are not equal to their expected values. The distortion of these values increases with the
number of measurement variables.
Multivariate control charting has several advantages over creating multiple univariate charts:
• The actual control region of the related variables is represented (elliptical for bivariate case).
• You can maintain a specific Type I error.
• A single control limit determines whether the process is in control.
However, multivariate charts are more difficult to interpret than classic Shewhart control charts. For example, the scale on
multivariate charts is unrelated to the scale of any of the variables, and out-of-control signals do not reveal which variable
(or combination of variables) caused the signal.
To determine whether you should use a univariate or multivariate chart, create a correlation matrix of your variables. If the
correlation coefficients are greater than 0.1, you can assume the variables are correlated, and it is appropriate to create a
multivariate control chart.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a multivariate control chart
Minitab offers four multivariate control charts:
• T2 and Generalized Variance − a T2 chart and Generalized Variance chart displayed in one window
• T2 − a multivariate chart of means
• Generalized Variance − a multivariate chart of process variability
• Multivariate EWMA − a multivariate chart of exponentially weighted moving averages

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Control Charts

Generalized Variance Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance
The multivariate form of the S chart. You can use it to simultaneously monitor the process variability of two or more
related process characteristics. For example, in a medical trial of a new drug, you can monitor heart rate and blood
pressure of the participants to see if these variables jointly remain constant over the course of the treatment.
If some subgroups of n = 1 and others > 1, Minitab plots the subgroups of n = 1 as missing values.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Multivariate Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter at least two columns of data.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to
force the control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using Gen Var Options > Estimate.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Data Options>
<Gen Var Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
variable) column

Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator

Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

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Control Charts

To display a generalized variance chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance
2 In Variables, enter at least two columns containing variables to control.
3 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Generalized Variance Chart − Options – Parameters

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance > Gen Var Options > Parameters
Use to enter historical data for estimating Σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate obtained
from past data, you can enter this value or values. If you do not specify a value for the covariance matrix, Minitab
estimates it from the data. You can omit certain subgroups when estimating parameters using Estimate.
Dialog box item
Covariance matrix
Enter one or more matrices for estimating the covariance matrix. Each matrix must be a positive definite square matrix
with the same number of rows and columns as columns of data. The elements on the matrix diagonal must be positive.
Element (i,j) must equal element (j,i). If you enter only one matrix, all stages use that covariance matrix; otherwise, enter a
matrix for each stage.

To use a historical covariance matrix

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance. Click Gen Var Options.
2 In Covariance matrix, enter one or more matrices, then click OK.

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Control Charts

Generalized Variance Chart – Options – Estimate

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance > Gen Var Options > Estimate
Omits or includes certain subgroups to estimate Σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to assignable
causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process parameters.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart Options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

Options − Confidence Limits

To specify confidence limits

1 In control chart dialog box, click control chart Options. Click the Confidence Limits tab.
2 Do any of the following:

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Control Charts

• Under Display confidence limits at, enter one or more values or enter a column of values in These percents.
Enter proportion values (between 0 and 1) or percent values (between 1 and 100).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits, check Lower confidence limit bound, then type the lower
confidence limit (greater than 0).
• Under Place bounds on confidence limits, check Upper confidence limit bound, then type the upper
confidence limit (greater than 0).
3 Click OK.

To display a historical chart

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Control Charts

When you use this transformation, Minitab does not accept any values you enter in the Parameters tab for historical
means or historical standard deviations.

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

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Control Charts

• To display a specific number of the last subgroups, under Subgroups to display, choose Display last __
subgroups and enter the number of subgroups to display.
3 Click OK.

To split a control chart

Generalized Variance Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance >Gen Var Options > Storage
Stores your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Covariance matrices: Check to store the estimated covariance matrices, one row for each stage.
Store these values for each point
Point plotted: Check to store the computed generalized variance values.
Center line value: Check to store the center line value, one row for each plotted point.
Control limit values: Check to store the control limit values, one row for each plotted point. Minitab stores one column
for the lower control limit and one column for the upper control limit.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of generalized variance chart

You are interested in the effects of a new heart drug on the heart rate, blood pressure, and weight of five elderly female
patients. You measure these variables every week for three months. For FDA approval of the drug, the variables must
remain in control. Therefore, you want to create a generalized variance chart to see if the joint variability is constant.
1 Open the worksheet HEARTDRUG.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Generalized Variance.
3 In Variables, enter HeartRate Systolic Diastolic Weight.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Week.
5 Click Labels. Under Title, enter Generalized Variance Chart for Effects of Heart Drug.
6 Click OK in each dialog box.

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Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

No out-of-control points appear, indicating that the joint variability of the five patients' heart rates, blood pressures, and
weights is constant.

Multivariate EWMA Chart

Multivariate Control Charts Overview
data
Display statistics from two or more related measurement variables. A multivariate chart shows how several variables
jointly influence a process or outcome. For example, you can use multivariate control charts to investigate how the tensile
strength and diameter of a fiber affect the quality of fabric.
If the data include correlated variables, the use of separate control charts is misleading because the variables jointly affect
the process. If you use separate univariate control charts in a multivariate situation, Type I error and the probability of a
point correctly plotting in control are not equal to their expected values. The distortion of these values increases with the
number of measurement variables.
Multivariate control charting has several advantages over creating multiple univariate charts:
• The actual control region of the related variables is represented (elliptical for bivariate case).
• You can maintain a specific Type I error.
• A single control limit determines whether the process is in control.
However, multivariate charts are more difficult to interpret than classic Shewhart control charts. For example, the scale on
multivariate charts is unrelated to the scale of any of the variables, and out-of-control signals do not reveal which variable
(or combination of variables) caused the signal.
To determine whether you should use a univariate or multivariate chart, create a correlation matrix of your variables. If the
correlation coefficients are greater than 0.1, you can assume the variables are correlated, and it is appropriate to create a
multivariate control chart.
For more information about control charts, see Control Charts Overview.
Choosing a multivariate control chart
Minitab offers four multivariate control charts:
• T2 and Generalized Variance − a T2 chart and Generalized Variance chart displayed in one window
• T2 − a multivariate chart of means
• Generalized Variance − a multivariate chart of process variability
• Multivariate EWMA − a multivariate chart of exponentially weighted moving averages

182  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Multivariate EWMA Chart

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Multivariate EWMA
The multivariate form of the EWMA control chart. You can use a MEWMA chart to simultaneously monitor two or more
related process characteristics in an exponentially weighted control chart. For example, in a spray drying process, to
control your product particle size, you can monitor feed temperature and chamber temperature. In the MEWMA chart,
each plotted point includes weighting from all previous data, allowing you to detect small process shifts quicker than with
other multivariate methods, such as the T2 control chart.
You can specify sample means, variances, and covariances for each variable or have Minitab calculate them.
For more information, see Control Charts Overview and Multivariate Control Charts Overview.
Dialog box items
Variables: Enter at least two columns of data.
Subgroup sizes: Enter a number or a column of subscripts. If the subgroups are not equal, each control limit is not a
single straight line but varies with the subgroup size. If the subgroup sizes do not vary much, you may want to force the
control limits to be constant by specifying a fixed subgroup size using MEWMA Options > Estimate.
ARL: Enter the average run length. The minimum allowable ARL is 1.
Weight: Specify the weight to be used in the multivariate exponentially weighted moving average. The value must be a
number between 0 and 1. By changing the weight used and the number of standard deviations for the control limits, you
can construct a chart with specific properties. You can choose combinations of these two parameters by using an ARL
(Average Run Length) table. See [17] for an extensive table.
<Scale>
<Labels>
<Data Options>
<MEWMA Options>

Data − Variables Control Chart

Subgroups are equal size Subgroups are unequal size

Down columns or across rows Down columns with subgroup indicator
Univariate (one
variable) column

Down columns Down columns with subgroup indicator

Multivariate
column
(more than one
variable)

 2003 Minitab Inc. 183

Control Charts

To display a multivariate EWMA chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Multivariate EWMA.
2 In Variables, enter at least two columns containing variables to control.
3 In Subgroup sizes, enter a number or a column of subscripts.
4 If you like, use any dialog box options, then click OK.

Options − Estimate
... > control chart Options > Estimates
Charts T2 and Generalized Variance, T2, MEWMA

184  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Omits or includes certain subgroups to estimate µ and Σ. For example, if some subgroups have erratic data due to
assignable causes that you have corrected, you can prevent these subgroups from influencing the estimation of process
parameters.
When you include or exclude rows using control chart options > Estimate and choose to perform a Box-Cox
transformation, Minitab only uses the non-omitted data to find lambda.

To omit or use subgroups for the estimates of parameters

Multivariate EWMA Chart − Options – Parameters

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate charts > Multivariate EWMA > MEWMA Options > Parameters
Enters historical data for estimating µ and Σ. For example, if you have a known process parameter or an estimate
obtained from past data, you can enter this value or values. If you do not specify a value for the mean or the covariance
matrix, Minitab estimates it from the data. You can omit certain subgroups when estimating parameters using MEWMA
Options > Estimate.
Dialog box item
Mean: Enter the historical µ's as a single value or a list of values. If you enter one constant, all stages use that value;
otherwise, enter a value for each stage.
Covariance matrix: Enter the historical matrices. Each matrix must be a positive definite square matrix with the same
number of rows and columns as columns of data. The elements on the matrix diagonal must be positive. Element (i,j)
must equal element (j,i). If you enter only one matrix, all stages use that covariance matrix; otherwise, enter a matrix for
each historical group.

To use a historical mean and covariance matrix

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Multivariate EWMA. Click MEWMA Options.
2 Do any of the following:
• In Mean, enter one or more values.
• In Covariance matrix, enter one or more matrices.
3 Click OK.
You can enter the historical mean values in several ways:
• A single value, which applies to all variables and stages.
• A list of values, one for each variable. All stages for each variable use the same value.
• A list of values, one for each stage within each variable. Each stage for each variable uses a different value.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 185

Control Charts

Multivariate EWMA − Options − Confidence Limits

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate charts > Multivariate EWMA > MEWMA Options > Confidence Limits
Specifies the confidence limit positions.
Dialog box items
Place bounds on confidence limits
Upper confidence limit bound: Check to set the upper confidence limit bound, then type the upper limit (must be
greater than 0). If the calculated upper confidence limit is greater than the upper bound, Minitab draws a horizontal line
labeled UB at the upper bound instead.

To specify the upper confidence limit for a Multivariate EWMA chart

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Multivariate EWMA. Click MEWMA Options, then click the
Confidence Limits tab.
2 Under Place bounds on confidence limits, check Upper confidence limit bound and type the upper limit.
3 Click OK.

To display a historical chart

186  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

To do the Box-Cox power transformation

 2003 Minitab Inc. 187

Control Charts

Do not split: Choose not to split the chart.

Each segment contains __ subgroups: Choose to split the control chart into subgroups of a specified number of
points, and enter the number of subgroups for each segment.
Each segment corresponds to a stage (if chart has stages): Choose to split the control chart by stage or stage
when you have specified stages in control chart Options > Stage.
Test results
Display test results in Session window: Check to display the test results in the Session window.

To split a control chart

Multivariate EWMA Chart − Options − Storage

Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Multivariate EWMA > MEWMA Chart Options > Storage
Stores your choice of statistics in the worksheet.
Dialog box items
Store these estimates for each chart
Means: Check to store the mean estimates, one column for each column of data and one row for each stage.
Covariance matrices: Check to store the estimated covariance matrices, one row for each stage.
Store these values for each point:
Point plotted: Check to store the computed MEWMA values.
Control limit values: Check to store the upper control limit values, one row for each plotted point.
Stage: Check to store the stage, one row for each plotted point.
Subgroup size: Check to store the subgroup sizes, one row for each plotted point.
Test results: Check to store the test results, one row for each plotted point. Minitab assigns each plotted point either a
1 (beyond upper control limit) or a 0 (in control).

To store statistics in the worksheet

1 Choose Stat > Control Charts > control chart type > control chart > control chart Options > Storage.
2 Check the statistics to store in the worksheet, then click OK.

Example of multivariate EWMA chart

As production manager of a toy manufacturing company, you want to monitor the weight (in grams) and length (in
centimeters) of one of your toy parts. You collect 4 samples each day for 20 days. Because weight and length are
correlated and you want to detect small shifts in these variables, you create a multivariate EWMA chart.
1 Open the worksheet TOYS.MTW.
2 Choose Stat > Control Charts > Multivariate Charts > Multivariate EWMA.
3 In Variables, enter Weight Length.
4 In Subgroup sizes, enter Day. Click OK.

188  2003 Minitab Inc.

Control Charts

Graph window output

Interpreting the results

All points fall below the upper control limit, indicating that differences in weight and length over time are due to common
causes.

 2003 Minitab Inc. 189

Index
A Moving Range Chart................................................... 96
Attributes control charts ............ 105, 107, 114, 121, 127 Moving Range Chart (Stat menu) ........................... 96
B Multivariate control charts................. 159, 167, 175, 182
Box-Cox Transformation ............................................... 7 Multivariate EWMA Chart ................................. 183, 184
Box-Cox Transformation (Stat menu)........................ 7 Multivariate EWMA Chart (Stat menu).................. 183
C N
C Chart...................................................................... 122 NP Chart................................................................... 114
C Chart (Stat menu) .............................................. 122 NP Chart (Stat menu) ........................................... 114
Control Charts (Stat menu) ........................................... 1 P
Attributes ............................... 105, 107, 114, 121, 127 P Chart ..................................................................... 107
For defectives........................................................ 106 P Chart (Stat menu) .............................................. 107
For defects ............................................................ 106 R
Multivariate .................................... 159, 167, 175, 182 R Chart ....................................................................... 46
Time-weighted....................................... 134, 142, 151 R Chart (Stat menu)................................................ 46
Variables for individuals ........................ 72, 81, 87, 96 S
Variables for subgroups ........ 9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 55, 64 S Chart ....................................................................... 55
Control limits ................................................................. 1 S Chart (Stat menu) ................................................ 55
CUSUM Chart ............................... 5, 151, 153, 155, 158 Shewhart chart ........................................................... 66
CUSUM Chart (Stat menu).................................... 151 Comparing with zone chart ..................................... 66
D Special causes ............................................................. 3
Decomposed Tsquared statistic ....................... 161, 169 Tests for .................................................................... 3
Defectives ................................................................. 106 Subgroups .................................................................... 5
Control charts for................................................... 106 Unequal sizes ........................................................... 5
Defects...................................................................... 106 T
Control charts for................................................... 106 Tests for special causes ............................................... 3
E Time-weighted control charts ................... 134, 142, 151
EWMA Chart ............................................................. 143 Transformation ............................................................. 7
EWMA Chart (Stat menu)...................................... 143 Tsquared - Generalized Variance Chart................... 160
G Tsquared - Generalized Variance Chart ............... 160
Generalized Variance Chart...................................... 176 Tsquared Chart......................................................... 168
Genearlized Variance Chart (Stat menu) .............. 176 Tsquared Chart (Stat menu) ................................. 168
H U
Historical charts ............................................................ 2 U Chart ..................................................................... 128
Historical stages. 15, 24, 32, 42, 51, 60, 68, 77, 91, 101, U Chart (Stat menu).............................................. 128
111, 118, 125, 131, 139, 147, 155, 163, 171, 179,
186 Unequal-size subgroups............................................... 5

Historical values............................................................ 2 V

I Variables control charts for individuals ..... 72, 81, 87, 96

I-MR Chart .................................................................. 72 Variables control charts for subgroups 9, 18, 27, 36, 45,
55, 64
I-MR Chart (Stat menu) ........................................... 72
X
I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) Chart............................... 27
Xbar Chart .................................................................. 36
I-MR-R/S (Between/Within) Chart ........................... 27
Xbar Chart (Stat menu)........................................... 36
Individuals Chart ......................................................... 87
Xbar-R Chart .............................................................. 10
Individuals Chart (Stat menu).................................. 87
Xbar-R Chart (Stat menu) ....................................... 10
M
Xbar-S Chart............................................................... 19
Moving Average Chart .............................................. 134
Xbar-S Chart (Stat menu) ....................................... 19
Moving Average Chart (Stat menu)....................... 134

 2003 Minitab Inc. 191

Control Charts

Z Zone Chart.................................................................. 64
Z-MR Chart ................................................................. 81 Zone Chart (Stat menu) .......................................... 64
Z-MR Chart (Stat menu).......................................... 81

192  2003 Minitab Inc.

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