Do you know what 5S is,
want to learn more?
5S is a technique for organizing a workplace,
especially a shared workplace like a shop floor or an office
space. It's sometimes referred to as a housekeeping method but
this description can be misleading because organizing a workplace
goes beyond housekeeping. The key targets of 5S are workplace
morale and efficiency. The point of 5S is, to assign everything
a location, time is not wasted by looking for items. It is quickly
apparent when something is missing from its designated location.
5S advocates believe the benefits of this style comes from deciding
what should be kept, where it should be kept, and how it should
be stored. Floor marking is one critical aspect of 5S or any lean program find out how floor marking is critical.
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Point to 5S
A very important part of 5S and "standardized
cleanup" is Seiton. Seiton is often misunderstood, perhaps
due to efforts to translate into an English word beginning with
S such as sort or straighten. The key concept here is to order
items or activities in a manner to promote work flow. For example,
tools should be kept at the point of use, workers should not
have to repetitively bend to access materials, flow paths can
be altered to improve efficiency.
5S are:
Seiri: Separating: Refers to the practice of going through all
the tools, materials, in the work area and keeping only essential
items. Everything else is stored or discarded.
Seiton: Sorting:
Focuses on the need for an orderly workplace. Orderly in this
sense means arranging the tools and equipment in an order that
promotes work flow. Flow is very important that each step is
in the correct place at the correct time.
Seiso: Shine: The need to keep
the workplace clean as well as neat. Cleaning is a daily activity.
At the end of each shift, the work area is cleaned up and everything
is restored to its place.
Seiketsu: Standardizing:
This refers to standardized work practices. It refers to more
than standardized cleanliness this means operating in a consistent
and standardized fashion. Everyone knows exactly what his or
her responsibilities are.
Shitsuke: Sustaining: Refers to
maintaining standards. Once the previous 4S's have been established
they become the new way to operate. Maintain the focus on this
new way of operating, and do not allow a gradual decline back
to the old ways of operating.
Alternative terms are used for the five S's. These are "Sort,
Straighten, Shine, Systemize and Sustain". "Standardize"
is also used as an alternative for "Systemize". Sometimes
"Safety" is included as 6th S. Additional practices
are frequently added to 5S, under such headings as 6S, 7S. The
most common additional S is for Safety program which is very
important and follows right along with the whole process. The
5S methodology has been adopted into a variety of organizations
from small business to Fortune 500 companies. All companies
implement the 5S's in the hope to improve productivity and performance.
Check out floor marking.
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