The 5S approach

 The 5S Approach

The 5S approach was developed by Japanese and adopted by Toyota to keep the production workplace maintained in arranged, organized and disciplined manner. The 5S approach represents a crucial pillar of Lean Manufacturing due to its importance to minimize waste.

The 5S Steps

The 5S represents five practices starting by the letter “S” and can be explained as follows:

Sort: Raffinate all items in the workplace and keep the necessary or used items only.

Set-in-order: Arrange the items according the frequency of usage. The most used tools are near to the worker and the least used can be kept in a wardrobe.

Shine: Keep the workplace clean without leaving any dirt or rubbish or dust.

Standardization: Keep the previous process as a daily routine and keep its implementation.

Sustain: Keep people involved by performing regular audits regarding 5S program.

Why Implement 5S?

Implementation of 5S can lead to the following benefits:

-         Minimize mistakes and errors.

-         Improve efficiency of workplace and safety.

-         Keeping workplace disciplined can lead to better customer satisfaction and confidence.  

-         Keep all teams involved and motivated.

How to Implement 5S?

1-    Evaluate the current situation and take the before photos.

2-    Identify development opportunities by gathering the related teams and perform brainstorming.

3-    Make an action plan and follow-up the implementation.

4-    Perform 5S audits and take photos after.

5-    Keep the area sustained.