Tools - 5"S" (Workplace Organization)

5S Workplace Organization

5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. When transscribed into English, they all start with the letter "S". The method is normally applied to manufacturing workplaces but could just as well apply to a store, an office, or technical department where critical methods, hardware, and tools need to be closely monitored. The list describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new order. The decision-making process usually comes from a dialogue about standardization, which builds understanding among employees of how they should do the work.  5S is one of the foundation tools for Lean Manufacturing.

Sorting (Seiri)

Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts, and instructions. Go through all tools, materials, and so forth in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items and eliminate what is not required, prioritizing things per requirements and keeping them in easily-accessible places. Everything else is stored or discarded.

Stabilizing or Straightening Out (Seiton)

There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly indicated.

Sweeping or Shining (Seiso)

Clean the workspace and all equipment, and keep it clean, tidy and organized. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and ensures that everything is where it belongs. Spills, leaks, and other messes also then become a visual signal for equipment or process steps that need attention. A key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work – not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.

Standardizing (Seiketsu)

Work practices should be consistent and standardized. All work stations for a particular job should be identical. All employees doing the same job should be able to work in any station with the same tools that are in the same location in every station. Everyone should know exactly what his or her responsibilities are for adhering to the first 3 S's.

Sustaining the Practice (Shitsuke)

Maintain and review standards. Once the previous 4 S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain focus on this new way and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways. While thinking about the new way, also be thinking about yet better ways. When an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, review the first 4 S's and make changes as appropriate.It should be made as a habit and be continually improved.

There are many tools available in the marketplace to help you with these areas. The key to the implementation of 5S is employee understanding and buy-in.  Training is always a major component of success.  Do not overlook its importance.  5S is one of the foundations of Lean Manufacturing and must be in place before you can move into other areas.

Simplified: SORT - STRAIGHTEN - SHINE - STANDARDIZE - SUSTAIN

First Step: SORT - Clearly distingquish needed items from unneeded and elimate the latter

Second Step: STRAIGHTEN - Keep needed items in the correct place to allow for easy and immediate retrieval

Third Step: SHINE - Keep the workplace neat and clean

Fourth Step: STANDARDIZE - The method by which Sort, Straighten, and Shine are made habitual

Fifth Step: SUSTAIN - Maintain established procedures

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