5S Web Page

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.

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.

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