5S is a process of work place organization and house keeping which is carried
out gradually and systematically.
The 5S method is a structured program to implement workplace organisation and
standardisation. A well organised workplace motivates people, both on the shopfloor as
well as others. 5S improves safety, work efficiency, improves productivity and
establishes a sense of ownership.
5S is developed in Japan and stands for
• Seiri – Clearing up: remove what is not needed and keep what is needed
• Seiton – Organizing: Place things in such a way that they can be easily
reached whenever they are needed
• Seiso – Cleaning: Keep things clean and polished; no trash or dirt in the
workplace
• Seiketsu – Standardizing: Maintain cleanliness after cleaning – perpetual
cleaning
• Shitsuke – Self-discipline: Commitment, a typical teaching and attitude
towards any undertaking to inspire pride and adherence to standards
established for the four components.
Impact of 5S implementation reduce inventory, efficient on workplace usage,
reduce time for searching spare part, reduce oil / water / air spilled, reduce unstabilization,
preventive of machine function, cleaning&checking machine condition,
improve working condition, reduce work accident, increase discipline, follow procedure,
and better relationship among employee.
Keys to successful implementation of 5S
• GET EVERYONE INVOLVED: 5S is not be the responsibility of a
concerned few. It is a concern of every one to act. All levels of
management should take part in decision making required to ensure 5S
implementation. Incorporate 5S activities as part of company’s small
group activities.
• GET COMPANY AUTHORIZATION: 5S activities should not be
performed in a secret or disguised such as overtime work. Get
management approval for all 5S activities. Make signs and posters as
means to promote 5S for everyone. Conduct a general monthly meeting
where company and managers can address 5S issues and themes.
• FINAL RESPONSIBILITTY RESTS WITH THE PRESIDENT: The 5S’s
will not be taken seriously until the managers and even the company
president take personal responsibility and interest on its implementation.
Nothing could be worse for the success of 5S implementation than to
have managers who “pass the 5S implementation buck” to their
subordinates. Company managers must take a strong leadership role in
5S promotional meetings and other 5S events.
• MAKE YOURSELVES UNDERSTOOD & AWARE OF: Don’t leave
people wondering “Why are we sticking red tags on things?” or “Is all this
5S stuff really necessary before we can make any improvements?”. Hold
5S promotional meetings to clearly explain 5S and to entertain all
questions from all participants. Present actual examples of successful 5S
implementation, or take participants on tour to successful 5S workplaces.
• DO IT ALL THE WAY: When establishing proper arrangement, make
sure to carry out red tag campaigns and use correct red-tagging formats
and procedures. When establishing orderliness, use signboards. Make
sure the signboards have proper format, descriptions, and locations.
Prepare your company’s own 5S manual, complete with all the necessary
details.
• THE PRESIDENT SHOULD INSPECT THE GEMBA (SHOPFLOOR)
PERSONALLY: The President should personally inspect offices and
point out their various positive and negative conditions. The President
should help by pointing out specific improvement items and proposing
improvement themes at 5S promotional meetings. GEMBA should work
individually as well as in groups to study and report on improvement
methods taken in response to improvements suggested by the President.
• DON’T STOP HALFWAY IN ESTABLISHING 5S: Don’t do things
halfway. Once the 5S promotional organization and methods have been
established, get started and stick with it. When developing red tagging
and signboards throughout the company, make sure gets everyone
involved. Once you have laid the foundation by establishing proper
arrangement and orderliness, start developing “discipline” habit to keep
the foundation strong.
• 5S IS A HALFWAY TOWARD OTHER IMPROVEMENTS: Don’t stop
with 5S: Follow through with Zero Defects, Cost Reduction, and other
Productivity & Quality improvements. Once the office has been cleaned
up, start putting casters on drawer cases to make them easily movable.
Eliminate defects as close to their source as possible and implement flow
process.
By implementing 5-S, eventually productivity, efficiency and working spirit will be
promoted. It is not only useful to manage work place physically but also useful to
develop employee’s attitudes and discipline.
