5S (methodology) 5S is the name of a workplace organization
method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke.
Transliterated or translated into English, they all start with the letter "S".
The list describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by
identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new
order.
The decision-making process usually comes from a dialogue about standardization, which
builds understanding among employees of how they should do the work.
The 5 S's There are five primary 5S phases: They can
be translated from the Japanese as Sort, Systematize, Shine, Standardize and Self-Discipline.
Other translations are possible.
1.
Seiri (整理?, Sort) Remove unnecessary items and dispose of them
properly Make work easy by eliminating obstacles
Provide no chance of being disturbed with unnecessary items
Prevent accumulation of unnecessary items Evaluate the unnecessary items wrt to dept/cost/other
factors.
2.
Seiton (整頓?, Systematize) Arrange necessary items in order so they can
be easily picked for use Prevent loss and waste of time
Make it easy to find and pick up necessary items
Ensure first-come-first-serve basis Make work flow smooth and easy
Can also be translated as "set of order" 3.
Seiso (清掃?, Shine) Clean your workplace completely
Use cleaning as inspection Prevent machinery and equipment deterioration
Keep workplace safe and easy to work Can also be translated as "sweep"
4.
Seiketsu (清潔?, Standardize) Maintain high standards of housekeeping and
workplace organization at all times Maintain cleanliness and orderliness
5.
Shitsuke (躾?, Sustain) To keep in working order
Also translates to "Self-Discipline" meaning to do without being told
Additional S Other phases are sometimes included e.g. safety,
security, and satisfaction.
These however do not form a traditional set of "phases" as the additions of these extra
steps are simply to clarify the benefits of 5S and not a different or more inclusive methodology.
Safety The phase, "Safety", is sometimes added.
There is debate over whether including this sixth "S" promotes safety by stating this
value explicitly, or if a comprehensive safety program is undermined when it is relegated
to a single item in an efficiency-focused business methodology.
Security The phase, "Security", can also be added.
To leverage security as an investment rather than an expense, the seventh "S" identifies
and addresses risks to key business categories including fixed assets (PP&E), material, human
capital, brand equity, intellectual property, information technology, assets-in-transit
and the extended supply chain.
Techniques adapted from those detailed in Total security management (TSM) or the business
practice of developing and implementing comprehensive risk management and security practices for
a firm’s entire value chain.
The Origins of 5S 5S was developed in Japan and was identified
as one of the techniques that enabled Just in Time manufacturing.
Two major frameworks for understanding and applying 5S to business environments have
arisen, one proposed by Osada, the other by Hirano.
Hirano provided a structure for improvement programs with a series of identifiable steps,
each building on its predecessor.
As noted by John Bicheno, Toyota's adoption of the Hirano approach, was '4S', with Seiton
and Seiso combined.
However, Toyota now uses the 5S as a standard.
Although the origins of the 5S methodology are in manufacturing, it can also be applied
to knowledge-economy work, with information, software, or media in the place of physical
product.