What is 5S?

 

The 5S program is a great way to get continuous improvement effort off to a flying start. It is a systematized approach to organized work areas, keeping rules and standards, also to maintain the discipline needed to do a good job.

5S provides the foundation for all quality improvement programs. It is a process to create more productive companies with more productive people through motivation, education and the practice of 5S.

As the name suggests, there are five steps to the 5S system. They correspond to five Japanese words starting with, but now are most commonly known as:

• Sort (Seiri) – sorting / putting things in order. Throw away/ discarding unnecessary items.
• Set (Seiton) – arranging necessary items in a neat, proper manner, so that it can be easily retrieved for use.
• Shine (Seiso) – keeping the workplace and things clean and polished. No dust/trash/dirt on the floor, machines and equipment.
• Standardization (Seiketsu) – to maintain a high standard of workplace by keeping everything clean and orderly at all times.
• Sustain (Shitsuke) – make the four steps as part of the daily routine. Maintaining standards and keeping the facility in safe and efficient order day after day, year after year.

Importance of 5S

5S provides a framework for performing maintenance checks and stimulating ideas improvement. It is the foundation for more responsible behaviour as they involve the responsibility and commitment of every member, from top management to shop floor worker. The ultimate goal of it is to reduce cost and increase productivity. When 5S practices are implemented, a world-class workplace is achievable.