Each of the 5 pillars (5S) is a “structural element” to support and maintain the future improvements within a company and one of the activities that will help ensure our company’s survival. 5 pillars (5S) are short for: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. 5S represents 5 disciplines for maintaining a visual workplace (visual controls and information systems).
Many do not believe that having a neat and clean environment aids production, however the fact remains that
• A neat and clean factory has higher productivity
• A neat and clean factory is safer
• A neat and clean factory meets deadlines better
• A neat and clean factory produces fewer defects
• A neat and clean factory is less hassle
• A neat and clean factory isn’t an embarrassment
The description 5S
1. SORT - All unneeded tools, parts and supplies are removed from the area
Sort corresponds to the principles of JIT:
“…only what is needed, in the amounts necessary, as they are required…”
Hence when you Sort you remove everything that is not required for current production, this does not mean:
• Only items that will definitely not be needed are removed
• Items are arranged into neat rows or patterns
2. SET IN ORDER - A place for everything and everything is in its place
Once SORT is complete, Set in Order ensures that the items necessary for current production are:
• Optimised in positions / order for current production
• Labelled correctly and clearly so anyone can use the area
• Standardisation becomes the norm, with
• Visual controls inform staff of standard procedures, item areas and volumes, WIP status etc…
3. SHINE - The area is cleaned as the work is performed (best) and\or there is a routine to keep the work area clean.
4. Standardize - Cleaning and identification methods are consistently applied
By maintaining the gains made from sort, set and shine, we have effectively standardised them. The main goal is to avoid going back to the bad old days by ensuring that daily activities are sufficient to maintain the status quo. Effectively turn the first 3Ss into a habit
5. Sustain - 5S is a habit and is continually improved
Without discipline to sustain 5S, the previous status quo of muck and madness. Discipline is a bad description, making 5S a habit is more accurate. The Sustain pillar differs from the previous 4 in that it is not directly measurable not implemented through a set number of techniques. It differs from the 4th pillar by winning hearts and minds and getting staff to want to apply best practice.
5-S is for you.
Clean-up and organize your work area every day so that each new day is easier and safer than the day before. Share your input with your leaders so that the tools you need will be available to you, increasing your efficiency. Volunteer to help with the 5S tours and 5S events.
Take a good look around...Imagine zero waste/zero confusion!
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