5S Application

What is 5S?

5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke. 5S is both a philosophy and a methodology for organizing and managing the work space and work flow with the intent to improve efficiency by eliminating waste

Each of the 5 pillars is a “structural element” to support and maintain the future improvements within a company.
Many do not believe that having a neat and clean environment aids production, however the fact remains that:
-A neat and clean factory has higher productivity
-A neat and clean factory is safer
-A neat and clean factory meets deadlines better
-A neat and clean factory produces fewer defects
-A neat and clean factory is less hassle
-A neat and clean factory isn’t an embarrassment



The 5S Description

1. Seiri:        Sort
2. Seiton:     Set in Order
3. Seiso:      Shine
4. Seiketsu:  Standardise
5. Shitsuke: Sustain

1. Seiri = Sort corresponds to the principles of JIT:

“…only what is needed, in the amounts necessary,  as they are required…”

Hence when you Sort you remove everything that is not required for current production, this does not mean:
Only items that will definitely not be needed are removed
Items are arranged into neat rows or patterns

Keyword: When in doubt, throw it out


2. Seiton = Set in Order, It’s Organizing

Once SEIRI is complete, SEITON ensures that the items necessary for current production are:

• Optimised in positions / order for current production
• Labelled correctly and clearly so anyone can use the area
• Standardisation becomes the norm, with 
• Visual controls inform staff of standard procedures, item areas and volumes, WIP status etc…

The Implementation of Seiton using Three Fix:

1. Where (fixed position)
2. What (fixed items)
3. How many (fixed quantity)

Keyword: Don’t accept out of  Standard

3. Seiso = Shine Cleaning
 
Keyword: Clean by yourselves with your hand everyday

4. Seiketsu = Standardizing, “don’t make dirty”

• By maintaining the gains made from Seiri, Seiton and Seiso, we have effectively standardised them.
• The main goal is to avoid going back to the bad old days by ensuring that daily activities are sufficient to maintain the status quo.
• Effectively turn the first 3Ss into a habit
• In order to get to 5S, the 3S duties need to be integrated into normal daily duties.
• Otherwise 3S duties will only be carried out as 3S conditions are seen to be slipping
• Supervisors have to ensure that Visual 5S and Five-Minute 5S  actions are undertaken by staff and that the necessary equipment, time and any required resources are available to perform those duties.

Keyword: Maintain the “3S”

5. Shitsuke= Sustain, It’s “Discipline”

Keyword: Winning Heart And Mind To Apply Best Practice