Lesson 2: 5S - A Lean Approach

What is 5S?

5S is a Lean methodology to organize and optimize a workspace efficiently. In general it is a housekeeping approach. It was first introduced at the Toyota Motor Company.

5S can be practiced by anyone right from homemakers organizing their kitchen to industrial experts organizing their manufacturing facilities and process flows.

Why is 5S so important?

• Helps to identify and eliminate Waste
  
• Streamlines System and Processes
• Improve Efficiency of the System
• Improve Self Discipline

 5S - A Five Step Method
 
The 5S is basically a 5 step method, which is written down in Japanese as:

Step 1: Seiri
Step 2: Seiton
Step 3: Seiso
Step 4: Seiketsu
Step 5: Shitsuke

They are translated in English as:

Step 1: Sort
Step 2: Straighten or Set in order
Step 3: Shine or Clean up
Step 4: Standardize
Step 5: Sustain

SORT:  In this stage, all the materials and items are sorted out by going through the contents of the workspace in detail. On the basis of its need, only the essential items that contribute to the task or work are kept while the unused ones are removed.

STRAIGHTEN: Straighten can also be referred to as Set in Order. In this stage, all the items that are left in the workspace after sorting are then organized and placed in their designated place. Items have to be effectively organized to ensure that they are easy to reach when needed in order to complete the tasks with ease. This helps avoid extra movement and wastage of time.

SHINE: In this stage, the workspace is completely cleaned or shined. The objective of this stage is to keep the workspace neat and clean. This means cleaning, maintaining and returning items to their designated place after usage. By doing so, you will not spend time searching for an item when you need it for use the next time.

STANDARDIZE: In this stage, a set of standards are created to maintain the workspace. In general, this is where the first three S's are taken to form the rules for how and when these tasks are to be performed. These standards may involve basic steps, procedures, schedules, checklists, charts, etc.

SUSTAIN: In this stage, periodic audits are conducted to maintain discipline. This means that all the previous four S's should be continued overtime. This can be achieved through a sense of self discipline within employees who practice 5S in their workspace.

These days companies implement 5S at the initial design stage during new product development phase itself. 5S can be practiced right from setting up your own office desk. It is a very simple approach towards making your workspace efficient.


Feel free to share any case studies that you may have come across in the comments section.