7 QC Tools- Stratification

Stratification is the separation of data into categories. This tool is usually

used during the diagnostic process to identify which categories contribute
to the problem. We can separate data into different categories so that the
data of that category can be observed to solve the problem.

Table of Contents
 Stratification
 What is the use of stratification?
 What are the precautions in the use of stratification?
 How to stratify?
 How to interpret stratification?
Stratification is a system of formation of categories, classes or layers. Data
collected by check sheet need to be meaningfully classified. Such
categorization help in understanding the data so that further analysis can
be done to get the proper result. This tool separates the data so that
patterns can be seen. 
A category is defined by a specific combination or range of variables. In a
category there is more than one variable. Stratification by itself does not
point out the root cause of the problem. It helps to sort out which areas
need further investigation. Stratification is actually the base of other tools
like Pareto analysis, scatter diagram etc.
What is the use of stratification?
1. To categorize data from different sources like machines,
operators, dates, suppliers.
2. Stratifying customer complaints by type of complaint or type of
customer can help in identifying the important problems.
3. It is useful in focusing the investigation on the most serious
symptoms and giving an indication of where to look for the root
cause.
4. Stratification help in testing theories in case of cause and effect
diagram.
5. It is useful to stratify data on the new performance level by the
variable used during the diagnostic process.
What are the precautions in the use of
stratification?
 Small differences between data classes should not be taken into
consideration.
 It should not consider that the abnormal category is the cause of
the problem.
  When there is a need of collecting new data, there must make an
effort to collect as much identifying information as required for
stratification.
How to stratify?
Step 1: Select the stratification variables: When new data are collected,
make sure that all potential stratification variables are included like a
machine, operator, date etc.

Step 2: Establish categories for each stratification variable: A category is a

value or range of value of a stratification variable. For example dates of the
month are 1 to 31.

Step 3:  Sort observations into categories of one of the stratification

variables.

Step 4: Calculate the phenomenon measured for each category. Collect the
data date-wise.

Step 5: Display the result. Usually graphic displays are the most effective.

Step 6: Prepare and display the results for additional stratification

variables. 

Step 7: Plan for additional confirmation. 

How to interpret stratification?
It is usually best to present the stratification result in graphic form. If the
stratification results are in bar graph form. It will be easy to see the
categories of the variables to see whether one or more of the categories
stand out.

 Does one machine has more defect rate?

 Does one operator have more defect rate?
 Does the shift or specific date is the reason for the high defect
rate?
After stratification, if the result provides a clear indication of the likely
source of the phenomenon being studied. Then the team has to validate
their initial result. If we do not get any useful results then see the other
variables with each category.