Abstract: Solving problems is at the heart of Quality. Problems are the deviation from the expected or desired performance. After defining a problem and beginning the root cause analysis, there is a tool which strong problem solvers use, even if unconsciously, to narrow the investigation to the most likely causes and accelerate identification of the root cause. This tool has various names including stratification analysis and families of variation analysis. This talk will explain where it is most powerfully applied and how it works.Bio: Keith Fong is a problem solving and continuous improvement consultant. He is certified as a Shainin Red X Master, Six Sigma Master Black Belt, and Robust Engineering Coach. He worked for 25 years in a Tier 1 automotive supplier starting as a product design responsible engineer before becoming a continuous improvement trainer and coach. He led and coached projects across the enterprise ranging from engineering and manufacturing to human resources to finance to shipping and receiving. Keith is the vice-chair of the Greater El Paso Section of ASQ and has served on the section’s leadership committee since 2013.