Guide to Implementing 5S in the Workplace
If you study the Lean toolbox, then the 5S Lean tools are one of the core foundational tools. Not only that, but they are also the most popular tools in the lean toolbox.
They are easy to learn. The concepts can be grasped easily. They are visual in nature, and the approach of the tool has a cultural impact, also.
Apart from being quite easy to implement, these tools also have a direct impact on quality as well as productivity.
Hence, it becomes the natural place to start early in a Lean journey.
Experts like Mechminds suggest that before implementing any processes around 5S Lean, it is very important to do a complete cleaning up of the workspace. It is better if you hire an expert lean management consultant.
You should sort through items that are not needed anymore. You need to get rid of them by donating, recycling, or throwing them away. This will be very helpful to make the rest of the 5S Lean in an easy manner.
The next step is to organize the remaining items. The right way is to create a checklist and a routine for each task.
There can be a common checklist for all employees who work in one area. Or it may be an individual checklist per employee, depending on what is needed.
For example, an employee who works at the reception counter of the office needs to ensure that the pens are working, the printer has sufficient paper, the desk is clean and tidy, and so on.
Once the workplace has been organized through Sort (step one) and Set In Order (step two), it’s time to move to the third step. It is Shine. This step is especially important in a larger workplace. It is because without regular checks, it is difficult to keep the area clean and tidy on an ongoing basis. This is part of the 5s visual management.
There is an important aspect on the Shine step. You need to be aware of hazards that may cause injury to the people or damage to the equipment. You need to ensure that they are kept off limits and a cleaning and maintenance routine is in place.
For example, deleting unnecessary files in the computer or mopping the floor regularly keeps them in good condition and tidy. This is part of 5s operational excellence.
What is the secret to maintain consistency across all areas of 5S Lean? First is you set the standards properly. Second, every employee should know exactly what is expected of him or her.
The next stage of creating a sustainable culture within the workplace is to sustain. By this point, everyone in the organization understands his or her role in 5S Lean. Also, everyone knows why he or she is supposed to carry out these tasks regularly. Thus, each person is committed to continuous improvement. The last part of 5S Lean operational excellence services is Standardize. This helps keep everyone working in the organization consistent with how he works every day. People know each other’s routines so that there is no confusion.
