WHAT IS 5S, AND WHY DO WE WANT TO DO IT?

Information presented is summarized from the book "5S for Operators" (see below)

5S represents 5 disciplines for maintaining a visual workplace. These are foundational to Kaizen and a manufacturing strategy based "Lean Manufacturing" concepts. 5S is the starting point for improvement activities that ensure our company’s survival.

The 5 disciplines are:

1.  SORT - Remove all items from the workplace that are not needed for current operations. Leave only the bare essentials.

• Targets excess inventory, obsolete items, quality defects, unneeded tools/equipment
• Will use red tags, local and central red tag holding areas; Account for discarded items
• Take before and after pictures

2.  SET IN ORDER – Arrange needed items so that they are easy to find, use and put away.

• Consider motion economy
• Use painting, outlining and signboard strategies, Visual 5S

3.  SHINE – Sweeping, wiping-off equipment, painting and assuring everything stays clean.

• Create 5S schedules for painting
• Must create cleaning inspection checklists
• Create current and future shine targets

4.  STANDARDIZE – Method to maintain the first 3 disciplines (sort, set-in-order, shine)

• Prevention steps for clutter-suspension, incorporation, elimination
• Integrate 3S duties into regular work with 5S job cycle charts, 5 minute 5S, visual 5S activities

5.  SUSTAIN – A top-down support of the ongoing 5S process.

• Must create the conditions to support 5S
• Allocate time
• Create awareness
• Provide a structure
• Show support
• Offer rewards and recognition
• Encourage training/participation

1. Training on:  What is 5S, and why do we want to do it? (Day 1 only)



2. Define the target of our 5S project:



3. Define the schedule for performing our 5S project:



4. A meeting will be held prior to each day’s activities to plan and schedule what will be done (daily). The conclusions of chapters 3-7 in 5S for Operators handbook will be used to structure each day’s activities.



5. A wrap-up meeting will be held to review what was accomplished (daily).



6. Review and document results (at conclusion of 5S project)

Note: "Before" pictures should be taken on day 1

7. Celebrate conclusion of 5-s effort and results!

   Note: This usually includes a picture board and a tour