The 5 S’s – a Summary

Here is another simple but ever effective tool for improving the way you do business. Many call this a “Lean” tool, which it is, but I like to think of it as a great effective Six Sigma technique that many time needs to be a “Go Do” in areas where things are really cluttered.

What is 5S’s you ask? It is a 5 step process use to arrange work areas to optimize performance and safety. The 5S’s are: Sort, Simplify, Sweep, Standardize and Sustain. These simple fives steps, if done right, can have a great impact on all of the following:

• Can give you increase effectiveness of floor space.
• Can improve inventory management
• Can reduce search time
• Can reduce the number of accidents/ and safety incidents.
• Can improve your working conditions.

So lets talk through what the 5 S’s are and how you use this technique. First is that you apply them in the below order. Plus , just like in any Six Sigma project, you will need a good cross-functional team to make it happen. So lets step through each step that the team (not just you) must do to use the 5S’s. This is a high level look at each step and in later articles I’ll go into depth on each of the 5S’s individually. (Keep a watch at my blog to insure you get them all).

1. Sort through and sort out. - In this first step the team needs to eliminate all unnecessary items from the work area. What has to happen is to look at EVERYTHING and see if it is needed (necessary) and those things that are; are kept in the work area and everything else is moved out side that area. Note the word “Eliminate” does not always mean throw away. Many things are used once in a while and NOT everyday. They are kept but in storage out side the work area so they can be found when needed but they are not taking up valuable space in the work area.
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2. .Simplify things - To simplify things here we mean to determine fixed locations and quality of all necessary tools, support equipment, and inventory. Another way of saying this is a place for everything (necessary) and everything in it’s place.
   

3. Sweep up – Make sorting, cleaning and checking a part of your daily routine. This includes preventative cleaning and maintenance. By the way this is talking about the people working the process. Janitors and cleaning crews have no idea how the areas equipment or tools are working and thus if the “true operator” cleans and does simple maintenance they will see leaks and wear that other will never see. Think about a secretary that while dusting the desk will pick up and remember that the stapler seems to jam now and then, they could look closer to see what is needed or if a new one needs to be ordered. Cleaning serves will never pick up on that.
4. Standardize the processes – Establish standard processes and clear rules to maintain work place order. Review your rules continually so you can revise them to eliminate waste as customer focus/needs change.
5. Sustain the Gains – Establish a vision for management to have everyone continually apply 5S’s to what they do. This means training everyone in how to apply the 5S’s. Keep a 5S’s awareness and discipline throughout the company. Every department should be keeping metrics to trend their improvements. Many companies think they apply the 5S’s to their companies but often forget or just ignore this fifth step thinking it is not that important. But if you follow any of the Six Sigma approach to process improvement you know that sustaining the gains is just as important as any other step and is critical to the success of what you do.

Well there you have it. The 5S’s in a nut shell. I will be over the next weeks going into depth on each of the 5 S’s. Keep watching, and I will try to get them to every blog I post this to. But in case I miss the one you are looking at you will always find them all at my blog http://www.sixsigmatrainingconsulting.com/knowledgebase/ . As always, if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

Bersbach Consulting

Peter Bersbach

Six Sigma Master Black Belt

http://sixsigmatrainingconsulting.com

peter@bersbach.com

1.520.829.0090