tracker

TQMC

TQMC has acquired wide Domain Knowledge and Experience. You can FREELY access it here and here

DISCLAIMER: This matter here is a guide only. For authentic and up-to-date information, please contact TQMC.

The DIRECTIVES and STANDARDS listed here may have been subsequently REVISED . You must refer to the CURRENT REVISION and AMENDMENTS if any.

Monday, December 7, 2009

5S FAQs

What is 5S?

5S is a reference to a list of five Japanese words which, transliterated and translated into English, start with the letter S and are the name of a methodology. This list is a mnemonic for a methodology that is often incorrectly characterized as "standardized cleanup", however it is much more than cleanup. 5S is a philosophy and a way of organizing and managing the workspace and work flow with the intent to improve efficiency by eliminating waste, improving flow and reducing process unevenness.

It is a method for organizing a workplace, especially a shared workplace (like a shop floor or an office space), and keeping it organized. It's sometimes referred to as a housekeeping methodology, however this characterization can be misleading, as workplace organization goes beyond housekeeping (see discussion of "Seiton" below).

The key targets of 5S are workplace morale, safety and efficiency. The assertion of 5S is, by assigning everything a location, time is not wasted by looking for things. Additionally, it is quickly obvious when something is missing from its designated location. Advocates of 5S believe the benefits of this methodology come from deciding what should be kept, where it should be kept, and how it should be stored. This decision making process usually comes from a dialog about standardization which builds a clear understanding, between employees, of how work should be done. It also instills ownership of the process in each employee.

In addition to the above, another key distinction between 5S and "standardized cleanup" is Seiton. Seiton is often misunderstood, perhaps due to efforts to translate into an English word beginning with "S" (such as "sort" or "straighten"). The key concept here is to order items or activities in a manner to promote work flow. For example, tools should be kept at the point of use, workers should not have to repetitively bend to access materials, flow paths can be altered to improve efficiency, etc.

The 5S's are:

  • Phase 1 - Seiri: Sorting: Going through all the tools, materials, etc., in the plant and work area and keeping only essential items. Everything else is stored or discarded.
  • Phase 2 - Seiton: Straighten or Set in Order: Focuses on efficiency. When we translate this to "Straighten or Set in Order", it sounds like more sorting or sweeping, but the intent is to arrange the tools, equipment and parts in a manner that promotes work flow. For example, tools and equipment should be kept where they will be used (i.e. straighten the flow path), and theshould be set in an order that maximizes efficiency.For every thing there should be place and every thing should be in its place.(demarcation and labeling of place)
  • Phase 3 - Seis: Sweeping or Shining or Cleanliness: Systematic Cleaning or the need to keep the workplace clean as well as neat. At the end of each shift, the work area is cleaned up and everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and have confidence that everything is where it should be. The key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work - not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.
  • Phase 4 - Seiketsu: Standardizing: Standardized work practices or operating in a consistent and standardized fashion. Everyone knows exactly what his or her responsibilities are to keep above 3S's.
  • Phase 5 - Shitsuke: Sustaining the discipline: Refers to maintaining and reviewing standards. Once the previous 4S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain the focus on this new way of operating, and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways of operating. However, when an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, then a review of the first 4S's is appropriate.

5S Bumper Pack - only $4.99

I've collected a a bumper pack of 15 5S files to allow you to implement and assess your 5S system and processes. Check them out out on the LearnSigma shop or click below to immediately donwload them.

 Add to Cart

Recommended Books

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but habit."
Aristotle

LearnSigma, Tyne and Wear, UNITED KINGDOM

MORE

10 comments:

  1. Hello! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the nice information you
    have got here on this post. I shall be coming back to your blog for extra soon.



    Take a look at my blog post - flexible semi rigid duct

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is a very good tip especially to those
    fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate information… Appreciate your sharing this
    one. A must read article!

    Review my blog post: www.pornoutopia.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Good day! I simply wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the good
    information you’ve gotten right here on this post. I might be coming again to your blog
    for more soon.

    my weblog when do you use a semicolon for kids

    ReplyDelete
  4. Howdy! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up
    for the great information you will have here on this post.
    I can be coming back to your blog for more soon.


    my page :: SEM

    ReplyDelete
  5. Good day! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the great data you’ve got here
    on this post. I will probably be coming again to your blog for more soon.


    Also visit my website; top 10 seo tools 2011

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hiya! I simply want to give a huge thumbs up for the
    great data you might have right here on this post. I will likely
    be coming back to your weblog for more soon.


    My homepage ... semi trucks for sale ebay

    ReplyDelete
  7. Howdy! I simply wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you’ve here on this post.
    I shall be coming again to your blog for more soon.

    my page; seomoz open site explorer & competitive link research tool

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hey! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the good information you will have here
    on this post. I can be coming again to your weblog for more soon.


    my blog seo do young korean drama

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good day! I just wish to give a huge thumbs up for the nice data
    you have got here on this post. I might be coming again to
    your blog for more soon.

    Here is my web blog - seo made simple third edition strategies for dominating the world's largest search engine

    ReplyDelete
  10. Howdy! I just would like to give an enormous
    thumbs up for the good data you could have here on this post.
    I might be coming again to your blog for extra soon.


    My web blog - mini SAS

    ReplyDelete