As many organisations prepare to apply world class practices and systems, they ask themselves, where do we start the implementation and what tools to engage first. One of the most beneficial tools to deploy early is 5S.
The 5S’s in order are SORT, SET IN ORDER, SHINE, STANDARDISE and SUSTAIN.
5S is more than just housekeeping and is considered as a key building block in the lean journey – it encompasses improvement techniques for safety, quality, synchronous flow, waste elimination and plant uptime. Employee involvement is the key to successful 5S implementation.
The 5S methodology is relatively simple and straight forward to introduce and is a great place to start your Lean implementation program.
The outcome from 5S in the workplace provides employees with a quality and safe work environment,engagement in improvement and a foundation for lean thinking and process excellence.5S will improve safety, quality, costs, delivery time and improve customer service.
what is 5S all about?
5S is a Teamwork, the simple explanation is,
1S. Sort – All unwanted tools, parts and supplies are removed from the area
2S. Set in Order – A place for everything and everything is in its place
3S. Shine – The area is cleaned as the work is performed
4S. Standardize – Cleaning and identification methods are consistently applied
5S. Sustain – 5S is a habit and is continually improved
