5S is one of the first tools that can be applied in a company that is starting down the path of the continuous improvement culture. A 5S implementation helps to define the first rules to eliminate waste and maintain an efficient, safe, and clean work environment. It was first popularized by Taiichi Ohno, who designed the Toyota Production System and Shigeo Shingo, who also put forward the concept of poka-yoke.
The 5S methodology is easy for everyone to start using. It doesn’t require any technical analysis and can be implemented globally in all types of companies, ranging from manufacturing plants to offices, small businesses to large multinational organizations — and in both private and public sectors. Its simplicity, practical applicability, and visual nature make it an engaging aid for operators, directors, and customers alike.
5S is the perfect tool to identify the first improvement projects in your company to eliminate waste. Although sometimes viewed as a housekeeping technique, it is actually an innovative management system that helps people think lean, paving the way for the adoption of Lean principles in the organization. Understanding the 5S methodology is one of the foundations of Six Sigma principles, and can be extremely beneficial for organizations of all kinds.
And here’s the best part: implementing 5S is a breeze! With this logical, step-by-step guide, you’ll learn what the big deal about 5S is, how to devise an action plan for 5S implementation, and how best to wield this powerful tool for improved productivity, elimination of wasteful processes, and all-round development!
Pro Tip: For more on harnessing the principles of Six Sigma for the workplace and personal productivity, here’s an insightful article that investigates ways to enhance performance using the principles of Six Sigma.
Our cartoons above help illustrate how 5S can benefit your organization. Before you get started, let’s perform a test. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may find 5S really useful and effective:
If you answered yes to any of these questions, 5S may be exactly what you need!
The name 5S refers to a set of five terms borrowed from Japanese, all beginning with the letter S when transliterated. The equivalent terms in English also begin with an S. In essence, these five terms represent the five steps toward operational and process excellence:
You can start implementing 5S by providing training to your staff to understand the system. This may be followed up with one-day sessions with each employee or team to ensure they are on the same page as far as implementation is concerned.
In the first one-day session, employees should look be ready to meet the first three 5S requirements:
Pro Tip: Learn how to apply these principles and get a certification to show for it with a professional Lean Six Sigma Certification Course!
During the second one-day session, two weeks later, employees should take the third picture and compare it to the first two shots. Many organizations set up peer audits to check how the 5S principles are being met as well as to ensure the plan is moving forward. Work together to define ways to standardize the improvements over time: organize cleaning schedules, define roles and responsibilities, and prepare written procedures or diagrams to help everyone remember what to do.
During the third one-day session, two months later, check to see how your workplace looks and schedule another peer review. This way, you can make sure the 5S are sustained by ensuring defined schedules are being met and everyone is following the procedures.
Simplilearn’s professional training courses are facilitated by certified experts with many years of experience in their respective fields. And, our courses are designed to help you pass your exam on the first try. Are you ready to begin? Good luck! If you want to learn more about lean methodologies and Six Sigma, check out this 5-minute video. It’s an introduction to Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training and will give you a taste of Simplilearn’s online training.
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Luciana is a business consultant and founder of Biztorming Training & Consulting. She holds an MBA from CEMA University, a top-ranked institution at Buenos Aires, Argentina. She is also a Quality Engineer certified by the American Society of Quality (ASQ).
Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
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