Proper Descriptions Of 5S

5s is a principle that is used in lean management. It gets its name from five Japanese words that refer to its steps. These steps are used to enable companies to organize the workplace in a specific manner, especially by using labels and color coding.

It is highly advisable that you use such principles to manage your workplace since they can offer very many benefits.

Definition Of Each Stage Of 5s

Sort (Seiri) The main aim of this stage is to clarify and verify what is required to finish the job based on the standard work. You should note that anything that is not needed should be red tagged and eventually removed from the workplace.

All the tools and materials that are not used frequently should also be removed from the area and then identified so that they can be properly stored. These things should be removed from your work area to enhance safety. Set (Seiton) This is the second stage of 5s. During this phase of the 5s implementation, the team looks for locations for all the remaining items after the red tagging.

Any tool or material that is left is considered necessary to complete the job and should therefore be allocated some storage space. Shine (Seiso) It is also known as seiso in Japanese and is the third phase of the 5s implementation. This is the phase where the team actually clean up the work area an all the equipments.

They not only do so for the sake of cleanliness, but also to inspect the conditions of the equipment. This will help the team in locating any problems with some of the equipments and thus offer quick and effective solutions. It helps in maintaining the materials and thus allowing them to serve for long. Standardize (Seiketsu) This is the fourth phase of implementing the 5s principle.

It is also known as Seiketsu. This means taking the three first stages and combining consistently across all areas of the factory. One of the main advantages of this phase is that the operator has the freedom to move around the different work stations in the company or workplace. This will help them in finding the right tools and work instructions.

It also helps in reducing the time that the operator spends familiarizing with their new stations and hence makes them more productive. Sustain (Shitsuke) This is the fifth and final phase of the 5s implementation. It is actually considered one of the most difficult parts and one where a lot of problems occur.

You should note that as soon as the team completes the first four phases, then the team should operate in the environment and fix any abnormal conditions that might come up.

If you are looking for help in discovering and following the path of 5S, you can find informative guides and training here: http://www.5stoday.com/