Seiton (Set in Order)
整頓·seiton·"orderliness, putting things in order"
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Seiton is the second of the 5S steps - organizing remaining items so everything has a designated, labeled place.
Definition
Seiton, meaning "Set in Order" or "Straighten," is the second step of the 5S methodology. After unnecessary items have been removed through seiri, seiton organizes what remains so that every item has a designated location, that location is clearly labeled, and items are arranged for efficient use. The principle is "a place for everything and everything in its place." Good seiton makes it obvious where things belong, immediately visible when something is missing, and efficient to retrieve and return items.
Examples
After seiri cleared unnecessary tooling, seiton organized remaining tools on shadow boards where each tool's outline was painted on the board. Anyone could see instantly if a tool was missing and exactly where it belonged. Tools were arranged by frequency of use, with most common items at optimal reach.
Key Points
- Organization should minimize motion and optimize workflow
- Labels and visual indicators make correct locations obvious
- Anyone should be able to find items quickly, not just those who work there regularly
- Frequency of use should determine accessibility—common items closest
Common Misconceptions
Seiton means neat and tidy appearance. The goal is efficiency and function, not aesthetics. A messy-looking arrangement might be optimal if it minimizes motion and supports workflow.
Organization can be done without sorting first. Organizing clutter is wasted effort. Seiri must remove unnecessary items before seiton organizes what remains.