Understanding The 5S System

With tough competition around in every industry, you might be looking for a competitive edge too. You might be looking to improve on your organization’s productivity, increase sales, and reduce costs. For this, you must start planning how to implement and sustain key principles of Lean to give your organization a productivity boost. The 5S system is just what you need that brings in efficiency, competitiveness, and a systematic approach to workplace organization. This system creates a workplace environment that can adapt and achieve success even through the chaotic environment. If you are looking for a professional 5S training program India, you can opt for TQMI to receive the finest first-class training sessions to reap the best possible results for your organization.

With 5S, you can develop and perfect your products, services, and processes, while increasing productivity and reducing waste and costs. The orderly and organized workplace developed through 5S allows for the team to perform more efficiently. This system eliminates all the useless and unused elements in the workplace, and arranges items used regularly so that they can be easily accessed. Routines for work organization are then developed. 5S has five basic elements that support the effectiveness of the system, namely Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

Sort

This is the process of removing all the unwanted and useless elements from the current production, so that focus can be placed on the things that are needed for efficient working operation. All unneeded tools, materials and machinery are eliminated to create clutter-free space that allows building up a workplace that is free from distraction. This also eliminated the time wasted to look for parts and tools in an otherwise cluttered environment. “Sorting” will lay the groundwork for a profitable operation and will ensure successful implementation of the 5S model.

Straighten

Once you have gotten rid of the unwanted and useless elements, you are left with only the useful tools. These useful tools need to be arranged with effective storage methods and systems. It should be such that the tools required are always easy to find. Therefore, the goal of “Straighten” is to create a standardized way to store and retrieve tools and materials. Based on how often particular tools and materials are required, and the process in which they are used, a proper system can be developed.

Shine

A clean environment makes it easier to work and highlights problems if any at the earliest. “Shine” means to get rid of all the dirt and grime, and keep the working space clean. This will not only result in a positive working environment, but will also reduce injuries and equipment breakdowns. It is a must to train your employees to carry out this process. Teach them what they are responsible for and give them the appropriate tools for the job. Clean and properly maintained tools and machinery work for longer time spans effectively, and also increase the safety level in the workplace. This ultimately results in higher productivity.

Standardize

Every individual has his own way of doing things. But, if every employee in the workplace starts doing things as per his liking, there will only be faults and errors, with no consistency and collaboration. This is why standardizing a particular system and procedures is highly important. “Standardize” seeks to utilize a set of schedules and checklists that must be followed every day so that every process is performed in exactly the same way every day. This is how every employee knows his job and pattern, leaving no room for uncertainty.

Sustain

Once things are standardized, the best practices should be maintained and practiced to become a habit. “Sustain” provides the staff with commitment and motivation to follow a planned procedure every time. This will bring continuous improvements, and ultimately success.