What is 5S?
The key targets of 5S are workplace morale and efficiency. The assertion of 5S is that by assigning everything a location time is not wasted by looking for things. Additionally, it is quickly obvious when something is missing from its designated location. 5S advocates believe that the benefits of this methodology come from deciding what should be kept, where it should be kept, and how it should be stored. This decision making process should lead to a dialog which can build a clear understanding between employees of how work should be done. It also instills ownership of the process in each employee. As a result, it is often executed in tandem with standard work which standardizes the processes in which the items organized in 5S are used.
The 5S's are:
-
Seiri (整理):
tidiness,
organization.
Refers to
the practice
of sorting
through all
the tools,
materials,
etc., in the
work area
and keeping
only
essential
items.
Everything
else is
stored or
discarded.
This leads
to fewer
hazards and
less clutter
to interfere
with
productive
work.
-
Seiton (整頓):
orderliness.
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.
Tools and
equipment
should be
kept where
they will be
used, and
the process
should be
ordered in a
manner that
eliminates
extra
motion.
-
Seiso (清掃):
systemized
cleanliness.
Indicates
the need to
keep the
workplace
clean as
well as
neat.
Cleaning in
Japanese
companies is
a daily
activity. At
the end of
each shift,
the work
area is
cleaned up
and
everything
is restored
to its
place. The
key point is
that
maintaining
cleanliness
should be
part of the
daily work -
not an
occasional
activity
initiated
when things
get too
messy.
-
Seiketsu (清潔):
standards.
This refers
to
standardized
work
practices.
It refers to
more than
standardized
cleanliness
(otherwise
this would
mean
essentially
the same as
"systemized
cleanliness").
This means
operating in
a consistent
and
standardized
fashion.
Everyone
knows
exactly what
his or her
responsibilities
are.
- Shitsuke (躾): sustaining discipline. 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
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