Armature
Armature provides a comprehensive quality management and compliance software platform designed to help you automate audits, manage certifications, and maintain high operational standards across your entire organization.
QI Macros
QI Macros is an Excel add-in that provides automated Lean Six Sigma tools, including control charts, histograms, and statistical analysis templates to help you analyze data and improve processes.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Armature | QI Macros |
|---|---|---|
| Website | armaturecorp.com | qimacros.com |
| Pricing Model | Custom | One_time |
| Starting Price | Custom Pricing | $99/month |
| FREE Trial | ✘ No free trial | ✓ 30 days free trial |
| Free Plan | ✘ No free plan | ✘ No free plan |
| Product Demo | ✓ Request demo here | ✓ Request demo here |
| Deployment | ||
| Integrations | ||
| Target Users | ||
| Target Industries | ||
| Customer Count | 0 | 0 |
| Founded Year | 2000 | 1992 |
| Headquarters | Newport, USA | Denver, USA |
Overview
Armature
Armature is a flexible quality management platform that helps you move away from manual spreadsheets and paper-based tracking. You can manage the entire lifecycle of audits, inspections, and certifications within a single, secure environment. Whether you are overseeing a global supply chain or managing internal regulatory compliance, the software provides the tools you need to identify risks and ensure every department meets your specific quality benchmarks.
You can easily configure the system to match your existing workflows without needing extensive technical support. The platform allows you to schedule recurring audits, collect data in the field via mobile devices, and generate instant reports for stakeholders. By centralizing your compliance data, you reduce the risk of human error and ensure your organization stays ready for any external inspection or regulatory review.
QI Macros
QI Macros is a powerful add-in that transforms your existing Excel setup into a full-featured statistical analysis engine. You can perform complex Lean Six Sigma calculations and create professional-grade charts without ever leaving the spreadsheet environment you already know. It eliminates the steep learning curve of standalone statistical packages by integrating directly into your Excel ribbon, making data-driven decision-making accessible to everyone on your team.
You can automate the creation of Pareto charts, control charts, and histograms with just a few clicks. The software even includes a 'Wizards' feature that looks at your data and selects the right chart for you automatically. Whether you are a healthcare professional tracking patient outcomes or a manufacturer monitoring production quality, you can solve complex problems and identify process variations quickly and accurately.
Overview
Armature Features
- Audit Management Schedule, conduct, and track audits from start to finish while maintaining a complete digital trail for every inspection.
- Mobile Inspections Collect data and photos directly from the field using your mobile device, even when you are working offline.
- Certification Tracking Manage complex certification cycles and automate renewal reminders so you never miss a critical deadline or expiration date.
- Corrective Actions Assign and track non-conformances and corrective actions to ensure your team resolves quality issues quickly and effectively.
- Configurable Checklists Build custom audit forms and checklists that match your specific industry standards and internal quality requirements.
- Automated Reporting Generate professional compliance reports instantly to share insights with your leadership team and demonstrate regulatory adherence.
QI Macros Features
- Control Chart Wizard. Select your data and let the wizard automatically choose and create the correct control chart for your specific data type.
- Automated Histograms. Generate detailed histograms with capability analysis, including Cp and Cpk values, to measure how well your process meets specifications.
- Lean Six Sigma Templates. Access over 100 fill-in-the-blank templates for FMEA, Fishbone diagrams, and Value Stream Mapping to organize your improvement projects.
- Data Transformation Tools. Clean and restructure your data instantly with tools that stack, unstack, and aggregate rows to prepare for analysis.
- Statistical Test Tools. Run ANOVA, t-tests, and Chi-squared tests through a simple interface that interprets the results in plain English for you.
- Pareto Chart Creator. Identify the 'vital few' problems in your process by creating automated Pareto charts that summarize your most frequent issues.
Pricing Comparison
Armature Pricing
QI Macros Pricing
- One-time permanent license
- Works with Excel 2013-2021 and Office 365
- All 100+ templates included
- Automated Chart Wizards
- Free technical support
- No monthly or annual fees
- Everything in Single User, plus:
- Discounted per-user pricing
- Simplified license management
- Volume purchase savings
- Consistent tools across your team
- Standardized reporting formats
Pros & Cons
Armature
Pros
- Highly configurable interface adapts to unique organizational workflows
- Strong mobile capabilities for conducting audits in remote locations
- Centralizes all compliance documentation in one searchable location
- Automated notifications keep teams accountable for corrective actions
Cons
- Initial setup requires time to configure complex workflows
- Lack of public pricing makes budget planning difficult
- Interface may feel overwhelming for very small teams
QI Macros
Pros
- No monthly subscription fees provide excellent long-term value
- Integrates directly into Excel for a familiar user experience
- Wizards automatically select the correct charts for your data
- Technical support is responsive and very helpful with setup
- Statistical results are explained in easy-to-understand language
Cons
- Interface looks a bit dated compared to modern SaaS
- Requires a local installation of Microsoft Excel to function
- Mac version has fewer features than the Windows version