“LEAN 5S” - JAPANESE SECRET TO BUSINESS SUCCESS:

What is LEAN 5S?

5S is a very useful Lean Management tool but it is inevitably essential for Process Excellence, Operational Excellence and Business Excellence for any kind of business context in anywhere in the world.

• Formal methodology to create and sustain an efficient, visual workplace using 5 different steps each starting with the letter “S”. Implementing all 5S’ in a process there are many ways to organize your lean six sigma processes... allows the operators to work efficiently, effectively, and safely.
• LEAN 5S refers to five Japanese terms that describe the steps in the 5S system for visual management.  The Japanese terms are Seiri (Seiri), Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke. The five SS in the English translation are Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

Detail of each “S”:

Sort (or Seiri)

Sort through all materials and keep only the necessary items for your tasks. This involves sorting through the entire contents of a workspace and deciding which items can be removed. Get rid of everything that you are not using to finish a task.

Set in Order (or Seiton)

Make sure that every item is organized and assigned a place. Workers will find it easier to organize all items in the workplace. It is important to place items in ergonomic places so that workers don’t have to bend or move around to reach them.

Shine (or Seiso)

To ensure that you can achieve your goals, make proactive efforts to maintain order and cleanliness in the workplace. It involves cleaning up and maintaining the new workspace. This could include routine tasks like mopping and dusting. It can also include the maintenance of machinery, tools, or other equipment.

Standardize (or Seiketsu)

Establish a set of standards for your organization and your processes. This is basically where you take the first three S’ and create rules that will govern how and when tasks are performed. These standards may include lists, charts, schedules, and so on.

Sustain (or Shitsuke)

To maintain discipline, you must continue to adopt new practices and conduct audits. The previous four S’ should be maintained over time. This can be achieved by instilling self-discipline in employees who are willing to participate in 5S.

Origins of LEAN 5S

The origins of the 5S method can be traced back to post-war Japan where leaders of Toyota Industries were trying to reduce manufacturing wasteMuda (無駄, on'yomi reading) is a ... Learn More... and improve efficiency.

 The Toyota Production SystemTPS – The Toyota Production System The Toyota Production ... Learn More... was their solution. Although the Toyota Production SystemTPS – The Toyota Production System The Toyota Production ... Learn More... was initially kept secret, foreign companies widely knew it.