What Is 5S?
5S is the foundation of all improvements and is the key component of establishing a Visual Workplace. Both are a part of Kaizen — a system of continual improvement which is a component of lean manufacturing.
A 5S program focuses on having visual order, organisation, cleanliness and standardisation. The results you can expect from a 5S program are: improved profitability, efficiency, service and safety.
The principles underlying a 5S program at first appear to be simple and obvious common sense. However, when implemented in a disciplined manner the above benefits will accrue.
A 5S program focuses on having visual order, organisation, cleanliness and standardisation. The results you can expect from a 5S program are: improved profitability, efficiency, service and safety.
The principles underlying a 5S program at first appear to be simple and obvious common sense. However, when implemented in a disciplined manner the above benefits will accrue.

The Benefits
What types of organisations benefit from a 5S program?
Everyone and all types of business benefit from having a well constructed 5S program. It is usually manufacturing that comes to mind but any type of business from hospitals to professional services and every area or department within the organisation will benefit from implementing a 5S program.
Everyone and all types of business benefit from having a well constructed 5S program. It is usually manufacturing that comes to mind but any type of business from hospitals to professional services and every area or department within the organisation will benefit from implementing a 5S program.
So, what exactly does 5S stand for?
1. Sort
(Seiri)
Removing all unnecessary items from the workplace
2. Set In Order
(Seiton)
Creating a specific location for everything
3. Shine
(Seiso)
Clean the work area
4. Standardise
(Seiketsu)
Standardise the best practice within the workplace
5. Sustain
(Shitsuke)
Never slip back into the old ways
Many organisations experience difficulty in moving beyond 3S but 5S is achievable.
1. Sort
(Seiri)
Removing all unnecessary items from the workplace
2. Set In Order
(Seiton)
Creating a specific location for everything
3. Shine
(Seiso)
Clean the work area
4. Standardise
(Seiketsu)
Standardise the best practice within the workplace
5. Sustain
(Shitsuke)
Never slip back into the old ways
Many organisations experience difficulty in moving beyond 3S but 5S is achievable.
Resources?
You will find a number of resources to assist you in your understanding of lean - please feel free to browse our content and let us know if you require anything further.
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