What is 5S

5S is a management acronym that uses a list of five Japanese words which are Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitskuke. 5S has gained fame in manufacuturing or for that matter in healthcare under the umbrela of lean manufacurturing or "Toyota Production System". The 5S looses translates into english as follows:



Phase 1 - Sorting: Go through all tools, materials, etc., in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items. Everything else is stored (for later use) or discarded.



Phase 2 - Straightening or Setting in Order: Basically there should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly labeled. Items should be arranged in a manner that promotes efficient work flow. Each tool, part, supply, piece of equipment, etc. should be kept close to where it will be used (i.e. straighten the flow path). Seiton is one of the features that distinguishes 5S from "standardized cleanup".


Phase 3 - Sweeping or Shining or Cleanliness (Systematic Cleaning): Keep the workplace clean as well as neat. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and ensures that everything is where it belongs. A key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work - not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.


Phase 4 - Standardizing: Work practices should be consistent and standardized. Everyone should know exactly what his or her responsibilities are for adhering to the first 3 S's.


Phase 5 - Sustaining the discipline: Maintain and review standards. Once the previous 4 S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain focus on this new way and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways. While thinking about the new way, also be thinking about yet better ways. When an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, review the first 4 S's and make changes as appropriate.



Recently the industry has also added the 6th S for safety. If you would like additional information on this subject, visit
http://tinyurl.com/24k9mat

Lean Manufacturing