5S Essentials

Definitions

5S - A 5-stage process (Sort, Shine, Set-in-Order, Standardize, Sustain) that culminates in the development of standardized work procedures that promote efficiency and continuous improvement. 5S is a Lean technique.

Lean - A systematic approach to the elimination of waste.

Stakeholders - People affected by the operations of a business, most commonly management, employees, and customers in the Lean context.

What is 5S?

5S is a process that culminates in an efficient workplace. It is not a project, nor something that can be imposed by an outside force. A successful 5S implementation includes all of a company's stakeholders and facilitates the development of a Lean company culture.

To implement 5S means to align the layout of the workplace with work processes, and to remove the things that do not create value. What type of environment facilitates productivity? What in the environment frustrates employees? These are the types of questions that companies must ask when implementing 5S.

Ultimately, 5S is about doing what is right for your company and your customers. The needs of every company will be different, but 5S provides a set of tools and techniques to help guide the standardization process. In the following chapters, we will walk through the 5 stages, explore some of the tools and techniques involved, and discuss potential hazards you may face along the way.