What is 5S & Lean Workplace Organisation? | Clarity Visual Management

5S is a workplace organisation methodology which use five steps to achieve a sustainable, tidy workplace. The five stages of 5S begin with an ‘S’, based on the 5 steps – Sort, Shine, Set in Order, Standardise and Sustain.

1. Sort
Separate needed from unneeded items, eliminate what isn’t needed

2. Set in Order
Neatly arrange what is left after sorting – a place for everything, everything in its place

3. Shine
Clean, wash & inspect the work area

4. Standardise
Create a standard practice for the above, this results in cleanliness from regular performance of the first three S

5. Sustain
This is being disciplined to continuously perform the first four S

5S is usually one of the first steps in a Lean journey. Without it, a company will not have the discipline and structure needed to implement and sustain other Lean Tools, such as creating Pull Systems (Kanban), reduce Changeover (SMED), etc.

5S isn’t just a one-off tidy up activity. 5S is all about creating an environment which facilitates sustainable orderliness and cleanliness. By creating a visually identifiable location for every required item in a work area (anything that casts a shadow), abnormalities become immediately apparent to the eye.

A clean environment also provides immediate visual cues when there is a potential issue. Using a cleaning station like the example in the picture is a great way to do this.

Why use the 5S Workplace Organisation technique?

Creates an environment which facilitates sustainable orderliness and cleanliness.
Identifies abnormalities as everything has an easily visible location
Increased efficiency
Opportunity to create a cleaner, and safer, environment
Opportunity to standardise the work area

For a detailed look at the benefits of the 5S Workplace Organisation technique and how it can be implemented in your business why not speak to a specialist today

Meet with a specialist