Standalone Software or Excel Addin? How Do You Choose?
Stand Alone Application or Microsoft Excel Add-in?
This factor is the single biggest decision as it influences all other factors.
Factor |
Stand-Alone Software Application |
Microsoft Excel Add-in |
|---|---|---|
| Software | Minitab®, JMP® |
QI Macros® |
| Installation | Installed as a separate application on a PC or on a network with login requirements | Adds a new tab on Excel's Menu Bar |
| Licensing | Subscription based (annual fee). |
A perpetual single user license. No Annual Fees! |
Price |
Higher because the application was built from scratch. Minitab® Annual License: $1,851/year |
Lower because add-ins use the power and functionality already available in Excel. QI Macros price is $375 USD per license. Even if you already own a more expensive standalone package, QI Macros can make life easy when dealing with Excel data. |
| Ease of Use | More difficult as users need to learn a separate application. |
Easier as most users are already familiar with Excel. |
| Data Input | Data must be imported into the application from Excel or another system. | Most of your data is already in Excel. If not, most systems already contain functionality to export data into Excel. |
| Charts and Other Output | May or may not be able to be customized and / or shared with unlicensed users. |
Excel charts are easily customized, easily copied to Word and Powerpoint and easily shared with unlicensed users. |
| Typical User | Statistician, Master Black Belt or someone whose job is primarily dedicated to statistical or data analysis. | Business person who needs to analyze data and create charts in service to their primary job functions. |
I love having the QI Macros on my PC. It is sooo easy to use with Excel. I enjoy not having to use a separate program just to chart QC projects. And the options…oh my! Thank you so much for making my life easier, AND at a very reasonable price!!!
- Shilo Caulfield
Viracor
Purchase QI Macros SPC Software for Excel through our secure shopping cart or try a free, QI Macros 30-day trial!
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