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The
Five-S approach
The "5S" refers to five Japanese principles for workplace
management to increase efficiency.
-
Seiri (Sort):
Do things in the proper order. Eliminate unnecessary items from the workplace. Keep the
strict minimum.
-
Seiton (Set in order):
Specify a location for everything. Put things where they belong.
Set in order and identify useful items in order to
locate them more easily. "A place for everything and everything in its
place." Designate Location by number, color coding, name. etc.
-
Seiso (Shine):
Specify recommended procedures for cleanup. Follow the
procedures. Thoroughly clean the work area or work place.
-
Seiketsu (Standardize):
Standardize best practices in the work area. Keep equipment and
the workplace in the best possible condition.
-
Shitsuke (Sustain):
Scrutinize practices; expose the wrong ones; learn correct
practices and make sure you use them.
The 5 S approach is a basis for
continuous improvement and can lead to less
waste.
The 2 S (Sort and Set in order) are the keystone for the 5S.
The other 3 S (Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) are the keystone for the 2
S.
Implementation
The Five Ss are
implemented through frequent grading of each work area by using an
inspection check sheet. In some factories, Five-S committees conduct
regular inspections of plants and departments using Five-S criteria.
In other factories, the work areas evaluate themselves on a weekly
basis.
All work are
expected to
continuously find ways to improve regardless of their
performance. Results of evaluations are posted on bulletin boards to
foster responsibility and pride. The best work areas are awarded
recognition plaques.
Benefits
The Five-S
movement helped change
attitudes. Employees started readily follow workplace rules
(keeping parts and tools in the right place, etc.), that previously
had been difficult to employ.
As a result,
performance measures such as defect rates, equipment breakdowns,
and number of accidents have all been improved.
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