Benefits of 5S

5S is customarily implemented in connection with a Kaizen, lean manufacturing, or continuous improvement program. However, 5S can be a stand-alone program often. 5S is discussed in the context of Kaizen, Lean Production or Continuous Improvement techniques as used in manufacturing. Nevertheless, the 5S should work in any environment: the workplace, your home, your PC filing system or even your own head.

The Benefits of 5S

• Greater efficiency in achieving goals
• Greater readiness for new tasks
• Fewer hazards
• Less spending on replacing lost or damaged items
• Less stress
• Greater self-esteem
• More space

Seiri: Tidiness

The Practice of Seiri

Sort through everything in the workplace / home:

• Keep the essential.
• Store the useful.
• Discard everything else.

Discarding should be without regret, for everything that is left should promote productivity.

The Benefits of Seiri

• Fewer hazards
• Less clutter to interfere with productive work
• Simplification of tasks
• Effective use of space
• Careful purchasing of items

Seiton: Orderliness

The Practice of Seiton

“A place for everything & everything in its place”.

Organize and designing your home / workplace to promote efficiency. Arrange tools and materials in assigned places where they can be accessed quickly, thus promoting work flow.

• Keep tools and equipment where they will be used.
• Order items to eliminate ‘extra motion’.
• Allocate a location to each item.
• Label each location to identify what is kept there.

The Benefits of Seiton

• Good workflow -> Achievement.
• Things can be found -> Less frustration.

Seiso: Cleanliness

The Practice of Seiso

Keep your home / workplace clean as well as neat. See your environment workplace through the eyes of a visitor: keeping a high standard of cleanliness to make a good impression.

• Maintain cleanliness daily, not just occasionally.
• Make cleanliness a part of the work, not an extra.
• Cleaning is done by everyone.
• No area should be missed.

The Benefits of Seiso

• A good impression
• Better health
• A better quality of life
• Improved self-esteem

Seiketsu: Standards

The Practice of Seiketsu

• Operate consistently.
• Everyone must know their responsibilities.
• Use your five senses:
• Make it easy to spot anomalies.
• Detect abnormalities and correct them immediately.

Examples of using senses (sometimes called “Visual Management”):

• Color-coding.
• Outlining tools on a tool board.

Shitsuke: Discipline

The Practice of Shitsuke

Finally, maintain standards. Learn not to need reminding about the 5S way.

• Make 5S’s a way of life.
• Focus on the 5S way.
• Eliminate bad habits.

The Benefits of Shitsuke

• No gradual decline back to the previous way of operating.