The typical implementation process for Minitab Connect is outlined below:

1. Initial Consultation and Needs Assessment: This step involves understanding the specific needs and objectives of the organization. Minitab representatives work with the client to identify the key areas where the software will be used and the types of analyses that will be performed.

    

2. Software Installation and Configuration: Minitab software is installed and configured according to the organization's requirements. This can include setting up single or multi-user subscriptions and ensuring that the software is accessible on the necessary devices.

    

3. Training and Onboarding: Users are provided with training to familiarize them with the software's features and functionalities. Minitab offers various resources, including webinars, events, and customer stories, to help users get the most out of the software. Training sessions can be customized based on the user's level of expertise and specific use cases.

    

4. Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Minitab provides ongoing technical support to address any issues that may arise during the implementation process. This support ensures that users can quickly resolve any problems and continue their data analysis without significant interruptions.

    

5. Continuous Improvement and Optimization: After the initial implementation, Minitab continues to support the organization by offering resources for continuous improvement. This includes access to webinars, events, and a monthly newsletter with the latest insights and practical tips.

The customization process for Minitab Connect:

1. Customizable Workflows and Templates: Minitab Engage provides customizable workflows and templates to help manage and execute projects efficiently. This includes tools for project charters, brainstorming, and planning, which can be tailored to specific business processes.

    

2. Automated and Custom Reports: Users can generate statistical reports automatically using company templates, standardize and schedule reports, and algorithms to fit their specific requirements.

    

3. Industry-Specific Modules: Minitab offers various modules tailored to different industries, such as healthcare, IT, customer contact centers, and more. These modules provide industry-specific prompts, statistical guidance, and support pages.

    

4. Integration with Other Tools: Minitab Engage allows users to send output from Minitab Statistical Software directly to Minitab Engage or embed Minitab files in their Engage roadmap, facilitating seamless integration and customization.

Training and support for Minitab Connect:

1. Training Options: Minitab offers a variety of training options, including on-site training, virtual classrooms, and self-paced learning paths. These courses cover foundational topics such as data analysis, statistical quality analysis, design of experiments, and predictive analytics.

    

2. Self-Paced Learning: The Minitab Education Hub provides self-paced learning paths with real-world examples and exercises. This allows users to develop their skills at their own pace and apply their knowledge directly to their work challenges.

    

3. Workshops and Certification: Minitab offers workshops that emphasize practical application of statistical tools to real-world scenarios. Certification courses are also available, such as the Data Analytics Certification, which covers data visualization, basic statistics, and more.

    

4. Technical Support: Minitab provides technical support through various channels, including online web-based support, email, and phone. Support includes assistance with installation, licensing, basic configuration, and usage questions. More complex issues may require professional services at an additional cost.

    

5. Consulting Services: For more advanced needs, Minitab offers statistical consulting services. These services help users choose appropriate statistical tools, design experiments, and interpret results in the context of their specific business processes.

Security measures for Minitab Connect is listed below:

1. Technical and Organizational Security Policies: Minitab uses a combination of technical and organizational security policies and procedures to protect personal data. This includes security controls and employee training to ensure data protection.

    

2. Encryption: Customer data is encrypted at rest and in transit. For example, Minitab Engage uses FIPS 140-2 compliant encryption for data at rest, ensuring that only authenticated users can read, modify, or delete data as specified by their account permissions.

    

3. Access Controls: Access to personal data is restricted to employees, agents, contractors, or subcontractors who need it to perform their duties. Non-disclosure agreements are in place with any third parties who have access to Minitab data.

    

4. Data Backup and Recovery: Minitab employs an automated backup strategy, taking daily snapshots of data and retaining backups for the last seven days, as well as weekly backups for the past four weeks. This ensures data can be recovered in case of loss or corruption.

    

5. Security Logs and Patches: Security logs capture events such as user actions, system changes, and authorization information. These logs are reviewed weekly and maintained for at least 90 days. Security patches are applied within a year, depending on the severity of the vulnerability and the complexity of the patch.

    

6. Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Minitab ensures compliance with various international security standards and regulations, including those set by the FDA for electronic records and signatures (21 CFR Part 11).

Update for Minitab Connect:

1. Regular Releases: Minitab releases updates for its software multiple times a year. For example, Minitab Statistical Software Version 21.1.0 was released on October 27, 2021, and subsequent updates have been released periodically.

    

2. New Features and Bug Fixes: Each update typically includes new features, enhancements, and bug fixes. For instance, Minitab 21.1.0 introduced Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) and enhanced graph editing options.

    

3. Update Process: Users can update their Minitab software by opening the Minitab Desktop app and selecting Help > Check for Updates. Detailed instructions for installing updates are provided, and technical support is available if users encounter difficulties.

    

4. Release Notes: Minitab provides detailed release notes for each update, outlining new features, enhancements, and resolved issues. This helps users understand the changes and improvements made in each version.

Data Ownership and portability for Minitab Connect:

1. Data Ownership: Minitab does not claim ownership of the materials users provide or submit to its services. Users retain ownership of their data and content.

    

2. Data Portability: Users have the right to request a copy of their personal data and ask for it to be ported to another provider. This is subject to relevant legal requirements and identity verification procedures.

    

3. Retention and Deletion: Minitab retains personal data for as long as necessary to provide services and fulfill transactions. Once the data is no longer needed for legal or business purposes, it is destroyed or anonymized.

    

4. Data Transfer: Minitab may transfer personal data to third parties or across borders to serve business needs. They ensure that data is processed, secured, and transferred according to applicable laws.

    

5. User Rights: Users have the right to access, correct, or delete their personal data. They can also manage their marketing preferences and opt out of promotional communications.

Scalability methods for Minitab Connect:

1. Increasing Authorized Users: The maximum number of Authorized Users for a subscription can be increased during any Subscription Term by paying additional user fees for the time remaining in the current Subscription Term.

    

2. Payment Obligations: All payment obligations are non-cancelable, and fees are non-refundable except as expressly set forth in the agreement.

The terms and condition for Minitab Connect:

1. Subscription Term and Renewal:

    

   • The subscription term is listed in the purchase confirmation, receipt, or invoice. Subscriptions are typically annual.

      

   • A late renewal after the expiration of a Subscription Term will incur a reactivation fee of 2% of the then-current subscription fee.

      

2. Cancellation and Refunds:

    

   • Customers can cancel their subscription, but Minitab does not provide refunds for partial terms.

      

   • If Minitab updates its policies in a way that materially diminishes its obligations or increases the customer's obligations, the customer can terminate the service and receive a pro-rata refund for the remaining term. The customer must notify Minitab within 10 days of the update notice.

      

3. Termination for Convenience: Customers may terminate the software for convenience at any time, but this does not entitle them to a refund for any prepaid fees.

    

4. Notice Requirements: All notices must be in writing and are deemed given upon personal delivery, receipt by a recognized overnight courier, or the second business day after mailing. Notices must be directed to Minitab's legal department or the customer's provided email address.

    

5. Service Level Agreement (SLA): Minitab commits to a service uptime of 99.5% availability. If this is not met, customers may be eligible for a service credit of 5% of the monthly prorated subscription fee for the affected service. Claims must be submitted within 30 days of the incident.

    

6. Entire Agreement and Amendments: The agreement, including any terms located at a referenced URL, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties. Any variation in terms not signed by both parties is of no force or effect.

    

7. Limited Warranty and Disclaimer: Minitab warrants that the service will operate in substantial conformity with the applicable documentation. If a non-conformity is reported, Minitab will use commercially reasonable efforts to correct it or allow termination with a refund for prepaid but unused service. This warranty does not apply to misuse, unauthorized modifications, or third-party issues.

    

8. Limitation of Liability: Minitab's liability is limited to the amount paid by the customer in the 12 months preceding the event giving rise to the claim. They are not liable for indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages.

Minitab Connect adheres to the following compliance standards:

1. FDA 21 CFR Part 11: Minitab Statistical Software provides features that help businesses comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, which governs electronic records and electronic signatures. This includes password protection for project files, which can serve as validation for the ongoing use and storage of Minitab project files. However, full compliance requires additional controls and validation by the user.

• Minitab provides a Statistical Software Validation Kit to support customers' validation efforts, including instructions, templates, tools, and an automated script.

   

1. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act: Minitab ensures its software is accessible to all customers, including those with disabilities. The Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) is available to document the software's compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act.

    

2. ISO 27001:  Minitab's data centers, managed by Microsoft Azure, comply with ISO 27001, an international standard for information security management systems.

    

3. HIPAA: The Microsoft Azure infrastructure, which Minitab uses, meets the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) standards for protecting sensitive patient data.

    

4. FedRAMP: Minitab's use of Microsoft Azure ensures compliance with the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services.

    

5. SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3: Minitab can provide reports and certifications for SOC 1 Type 2, SOC 2 Type 2, and SOC 3, which are standards for managing and protecting customer data based on the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) standards.

    

6. NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Minitab's security practices are aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework, which provides guidelines for improving critical infrastructure cybersecurity.

    

7. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Cloud Control Matrix: Minitab's processes and controls are developed with reference to the CSA's Cloud Control Matrix, which is a cybersecurity control framework for cloud computing.