5S A Workplace Organization Method

What is 5s? “A place for everything and everything in its place.” It is a structured program, to systematically achieve total organization, cleanliness, and standardization in the workplace. It is a system for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely.  It helps minimize the loss of time and the use of movement.

What are the 5s? 5S uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. Five Japanese words: S1- seiri- Sort/tidiness: keep near you only what you regularly use S2- seiton- Set/orderliness: find exactly what you need to use in less than 30 seconds S3- seiso- Shine/ cleanliness: have your workplace and equipment ready for immediate use S4- seiketsu- Standardize: everyone does each job in the same way and is challenged to improve it S5- shitsuke- Sustain/ discipline: everyone does their part to foster a safe, efficient and effective workplace

Implementing 5S Sort- Determine what is needed in the workplace and what can be removed. You also must decide if something is to be kept, is it in the right place or should it be moved elsewhere.

Implementing 5S Set- Once the sorting process has been completed, you will now use the space created to re-organize your workspace. How can you re-arrange the space to streamline work and minimize your time spent on tasks? “Set” your workspace to help you accomplish these goals.

Implementing 5S Shine- After your workplace is set, you must maintain what you have created. Keeping your area clean, and everything put away until ready for use. This is an ongoing, day-to-day part of 5s. After your workplace is set, you must maintain what you have created. Keeping your area clean, and everything put away until ready for use. This is an ongoing, day-to-day part of 5S.

Implementing 5S Standardization- Setting up standards for a neat, clean, workplace. Set a schedule to make sure that the previous 3 steps are still being maintained. Make sure that all areas are clearly marked as to what is supposed to be in that space and is labeled. monitor computer mouse keyboard

Implementing 5S Sustain- Keep up the good work by using discipline to ensure that 5s practices are utilized. Everyone should be involved and committed to keeping the workplace clean, orderly, and improving the area. Having a 5S display board is a good visual to make sure the area is still in order.

Why is 5s important? Creates a safer work environment. Quality will improve by reducing forced errors. Output will improve by establishing a good workflow. People and machine reliability will improve. More workspace available for productive use. Increase customer confidence and satisfaction. Employee job satisfaction will increase. Cost will decrease.

Key Points Make sure that you communicate what you are trying to do with 5s and why Make sure everyone understands the concepts and techniques Reward and recognize the efforts of implementing 5s, whether it is verbally or in the form of awards Allow enough time in order to make 5s happen by making sure that schedules are set to do so Identify who does what, and when. Make schedules clear and keep them updated