Time series plots versus other plots

You can create several plots to display data collected in chronological order:

·    Time series plot - Use when you want to examine trends in your data over time. You can use time series plots in conjunction with other time series functions, such as forecasting.

·    Area graph - Use to view a series of data divided into categories. Minitab plots time series data on the y-axis versus time on the x-axis, and shades the space below each line. Data are stacked, displaying the proportion each series contributes to the whole.

·    Control charts - Use to detect out-of-control points for variable or attribute data collected over time.

·    Scatterplot - Use when your data are not chronologically ordered, or if the data collection intervals are irregular. You will need to provide the time values along with the time series data.