The 5S

5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. Transliterated or translated into English, they all start with the letter "S". The list describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new order. The decision-making process usually comes from a dialogue about standardization, which builds understanding among employees of how they should do the work. The 5S consist of 5 phases: Sorting, Set in order, Systematic cleaning, Standardizing, and Sustaining. Also known as Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardise and Sustain.

Sorting

Sorting is a process that involves selecting what you need to complete the job and removing everything else from your work area.

Why do that?

To eliminate unnecessary items

To free floor space for the required items

To reduce your inventories (be they supplies or work in process)

To free resources (things that other areas might need and not have)

To sort, you could use red tags. Simply attach a red tag to every item you want removed.

Figure 1: Sorting

What you sort

• Stock
• Machinery
• Equipment
• Tools
• Furniture
• Stationery
• Locations
• Anything else in the work place

Set in Order or Straighten

Set in Order or Straightening specifically customizes your workstation and surrounding area to meet your work area needs. Arrange remaining items so they are easy to select, use, and return to their proper location. Organize the workplace in such a way that it is Easy to see, EASY to get, EASY to return. That is a good reason to pursue it now, isn’t it? 

A motto often used in the industry is:”A place for everything and everything in its place”

To make it easier on yourself, clean and straighten as you go; which brings us to the cleaning concept

Figure 2: Set in Order [1]

Figure 3: Set in Order [2]

Figure 4: Set in Order [3]

Sweeping, Shining, Systematic cleaning

Sweeping is powerful because its purpose is to find the reason why things become dirty. Emphasis is on the removal of dust, dirt, and grime to reveal the source and eliminate it. Clean the workspace and all equipment, and keep it clean, tidy and organized. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This step ensures that the workstation is ready for the next user and that order is sustained.

Shine implementation is important for maintenance activity, It’s understandable that you cannot make parts without any mess. But it should not be acceptable that the machines and floors have residual grease, dust and whatever you have there. 

Why clean?

First, it improves overall plant safety for obvious reasons. 

We say: “Cleaning is Inspecting”. So true! Each time you clean, you may find leaking hoses/valves, broken switches, etc.

Figure 5: Before "Shine" activity [4]

Figure 6: After "Shine" activity [4]

So, it helps with TPM (Total Productive Maintenance). Also, it promotes pride in your people, it boosts morale. Who doesn’t like to work in a safe and clean place? And who doesn’t want to be part of something, to be appreciated for making a difference?, Just so you know, these first three components of the 5S system can be instituted right away. They are part of the 3S housekeeping.  

References:

1. 5sbestpractices.ning.com
2. http://www.cisco-eagle.com/
3. http://info.marshallinstitute.com/?Tag=5S
4. http://www.elseinc.com/training/5s/5s-principles/