THE 5S STEPS EXPLAINED

Sort (Seiri)

• First step towards our 5S journey.
• Make work easier by eliminating obstacles.
• Reduce chances of being disturbed with unnecessary items.
• Evaluate necessary items with regard to cost or other factors.
• Remove all parts or tools that are not in use.
• Segregate unwanted material from the workplace.
• Define Red-Tag area to place unnecessary items that cannot immediately be disposed of. Dispose of these items when possible.
• Need fully skilled supervisor for checking on a regular basis.
• Make clear all working floor except using material.

Set in order (Seiton)

• Arrange all necessary items so that they can be easily selected for use.
• Prevent loss and waste of time by arranging work station in such a way that all tooling / equipment is in close proximity.
• Make it easy to find and pick up necessary items.
• Ensure first-in-first-out FIFO basis.
• Make workflow smooth and easy.
• All of the above work should be done on a regular basis.
• Place components according to their uses, with the frequently used components being nearest to the work place.

Shine/Sweeping (Seiso)

• Clean your workplace on daily basis completely or set cleaning frequency time to time
• Use cleaning as inspection.
• Prevent machinery and equipment deterioration.
• Keep workplace safe and easy to work.
• Keep workplace clean and pleasing to work in.
• When in place, anyone not familiar to the environment must be able to detect any problems within 50 feet in 5 sec.

Standardize (Seiketsu)

• Establish procedures and schedules to ensure the consistency of implementing the first three ‘S’ practices.
• Develop a work structure that will support the new practices and make it part of the daily routine.
• Ensure everyone knows their responsibilities of performing the sorting, organizing and cleaning.
• Use photos and visual controls to help keep everything as it should be.
• Review the status of 5S implementation regularly using audit checklists.
• Ensure standardizing color codes for usable items.

Sustain (Shitsuke)

• Also translates as "do without being told"
• Perform regular audits.
• Training and discipline.
• Training is goal-oriented process. Its resulting feedback is necessary monthly.
• Self-discipline
• To maintain proper order, ensure all defined standards are being implemented and heard.
• Follow the process, but also be open to improvement