WHAT IS 5S?
5S stands for: Sort, Sweep, Set in Order, and Sustain. Sometimes an additional step is included, Safety.
| • | Sort - (seiri) This is a systematic sorting through every single item in the 5S event area. I mean everything! Items that obviously don't belong are put into the 5S Auction, taken home, or thrown away. Don't forget to recycle! This process should take one day or less. It is not something to be lingered over or discussed at length. |
| • | Sweep - (seiton) In this step the 5S target area is cleaned. This is real cleaning. After the sort, the place will be dusty and dirty. You can use a janitor, housekeeper, or can do it yourself. I recommend that the team members do as much as possible themselves for a complete sense of ownership. However, it may not be possible, so outsourcing is allowed. |
| • | Set in Order - (seiso) Now it is time to put everything in the place it is supposed to be. There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. Everyone needs to sit down and discuss how the 5S event area operates. How should it work? What makes the most sense for the flow of documents, products, or manufacturing. This will be discussed at the beginning, and may need to be revisited after the first two steps. |
| • | Standardize - (seiketsu) Making things make sence is how I would characterize this step. Everything should be labeled, each item has a home and anyone should be able to just glance at the work area and know where to put something or find something. |
| • | Sustain - (shitsuke) How are you going to keep all this up? Sustaining the gains is made so much easier by all the labeling that was done in the prior step! But, there is more... Being organized and sustaing the gain is part of the everyday routine. And because things are organized, it is so easy to do. |
PHASES OF 5S
There are 5 primary phases of 5S: sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining. Additionally, there is an additional phase, safety, that is sometimes included.
Sorting
Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts, instructions. Go through all tools, materials, etc., in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items. Everything else is stored or discarded.
Straightening or Setting in Order
There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly labeled or demarcated. Items should be arranged in a manner that promotes efficient work flow. Workers should not have to repetitively bend to access materials. 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". This phase can also be referred to as Simplifying
Sweeping or Shining or Cleanliness (Systematic Cleaning)
Keep the workplace tidy and organized. 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.
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.
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.
Safety
A sixth phase, "Safety", is sometimes added. It is reasonable to assume that a properly planned and executed 5S program will inherently improve workplace safety, but some argue that explicitly including this sixth S ensures that workplace safety is given primary consideration.'
It is important to have continuous education about maintaining standards. When there are changes that affect the 5S program such as new equipment, new products or new work rules, it is essential to make changes in the standards and provide training. Companies embracing 5S often use posters and signs as a way of educating employees and maintaining standards.
There are 5 primary phases of 5S: sorting, straightening, systematic cleaning, standardizing, and sustaining. Additionally, there is an additional phase, safety, that is sometimes included.
Sorting
Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts, instructions. Go through all tools, materials, etc., in the plant and work area. Keep only essential items. Everything else is stored or discarded.
Straightening or Setting in Order
There should be a place for everything and everything should be in its place. The place for each item should be clearly labeled or demarcated. Items should be arranged in a manner that promotes efficient work flow. Workers should not have to repetitively bend to access materials. 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". This phase can also be referred to as Simplifying
Sweeping or Shining or Cleanliness (Systematic Cleaning)
Keep the workplace tidy and organized. 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.
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.
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.
Safety
A sixth phase, "Safety", is sometimes added. It is reasonable to assume that a properly planned and executed 5S program will inherently improve workplace safety, but some argue that explicitly including this sixth S ensures that workplace safety is given primary consideration.'
It is important to have continuous education about maintaining standards. When there are changes that affect the 5S program such as new equipment, new products or new work rules, it is essential to make changes in the standards and provide training. Companies embracing 5S often use posters and signs as a way of educating employees and maintaining standards.
Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use
(c) 2010 All Rights Reserved 5S Consultant - Pam Hunter Enterprises (1-800-214-8096) How-to-5S@live.com
Web Design and Hosting by Pam Hunter Design
Web Design and Hosting by Pam Hunter Design
|Home Style |Wedding Vows |PHE |Pam Hunter Design |Iviehost |PHEhost |5S Consultant |My Secretary |Hunter's Pony Farm |Poultry |Barn Management
| • | Full access to all documents! |
| • | Full access to graphic elements & clip art! |
| • | PowerPoint Presentations! |
| • | 5S How To Newsletter! |
| • | Member Forums! |
| • | Full access to all articles! |
| • | Discounts on selected services for your business! |
Your Online Consultant!
Your Online Consultant!
