5S
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5S is a workplace organization methodology using five Japanese principles: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.
Definition
5S is a systematic workplace organization and standardization methodology that creates efficient, safe, and productive work environments. The five steps—Seiri (Sort), Seiton (Set in Order), Seiso (Shine), Seiketsu (Standardize), and Shitsuke (Sustain)—form a foundation for operational excellence. 5S makes problems visible by eliminating clutter, creates efficiency through logical organization, maintains conditions through cleaning discipline, locks in gains through standards, and builds habits through sustained practice. 5S is often the starting point for lean transformation because it creates basic stability and visual workplace.
Examples
A machining department implemented 5S by removing unused equipment and materials (Sort), creating labeled shadow boards for tools and designated areas for materials (Set in Order), establishing cleaning routines that also served as inspection (Shine), documenting layouts and procedures (Standardize), and conducting regular audits (Sustain). Setup time dropped 30% because operators could find what they needed.
Key Points
- 5S is foundation for lean—establishing basic stability and visual workplace
- The five steps are sequential; skipping steps undermines results
- 5S reveals problems by eliminating clutter that hides abnormalities
- Sustaining 5S is the hardest step and requires ongoing management attention
Common Misconceptions
5S is just housekeeping. While 5S creates cleaner workplaces, its purpose is operational improvement. 5S makes abnormalities visible, reduces waste from searching and motion, improves safety, and creates the stability foundation for further lean implementation.
5S is a one-time project. 5S must be sustained through daily practice and regular audits. Without sustaining, workplaces gradually return to disorder. 5S is a discipline, not an event.