03 February 2010

Implementation of 5S System

5S Systems are easy and can be quick to put into place it does take a total company effort for this to happen. This low cost system can make a large impact on the company’s bottom line. New work habits for employees are very important. A Basic 5S system can be implemented into any workplace from a store to a warehouse to a Hospital.

The first thing that is needed is you need to understand 5S and we suggest that you pick up some books and more information on 5S we recommend www.5Stoday.com for any books poster or supplies that you many need for your 5S System. After doing your homework we recommend that you work with management as a whole and make sure that they understand that 5S is important to them and the company. Before you begin any 5S System you must have an action plan in place. It starts with the basics understand how each workstation and person uses each area. Find out what is important and get user feedback keep the whole company involved in the 5S System the whole time. A basic plan can be put together once you understand 5s and how your company works. Creative Safety Supply offers a number of services including help with and 5S progam , 5s training including great 5S Posters.

This 5S system must be put into place on a daily basis and followed each day. Each shift or person must take a personal interest in the company and the product that they produce. Now we are going to cover the basic steps for 5S listed below are descriptions and information on 5S but we are actually going to cover 6 steps so you understand why some / most companies implement 6S.

1S Seiri or Sorting : Going through all the tools, materials, etc., in the plant and work area and keeping only essential items. Everything else is stored or discarded.

2S - Seiton or Straighten or Set in Order : Focuses on efficiency. When we translate this to "Straighten or Set in Order", it sounds like more sorting or sweeping, but the intent is to arrange the tools, equipment and parts in a manner that promotes work flow. For example, tools and equipment should be kept where they will be used, and the process should be set in an order that maximizes efficiency. For every thing there should be place and every thing should be in its place.

3S - Seiso, Shining or Cleanliness : Systematic Cleaning or the need to keep the workplace clean as well as neat. At the end of each shift, the work area is cleaned up and everything is restored to its place. This makes it easy to know what goes where and have confidence that everything is where it should be. The key point is that maintaining cleanliness should be part of the daily work - not an occasional activity initiated when things get too messy.

4S - Seiketsu or Standardizing : Standardized work practices or operating in a consistent and standardized fashion. Everyone knows exactly what his or her responsibilities are to keep above 3S's.

5S - Shitsuke or Sustaining the discipline : Refers to maintaining and reviewing standards. Once the previous 4S's have been established, they become the new way to operate. Maintain the focus on this new way of operating, and do not allow a gradual decline back to the old ways of operating. However, when an issue arises such as a suggested improvement, a new way of working, a new tool or a new output requirement, then a review of the first 4S's is appropriate.

6S - Safety is sometimes added . There will have to be continuous education about maintaining standards. When there are changes that will affect the 5S program such as new equipment, new products or new work rules-it is essential to make changes in the standards and provide training. Companies embracing 5S often use posters and signs as a way of educating employees and maintaining standards.

- taken from CreativesafetySupply.com -

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