5S Workplace Organization Methodology

companies are seeking to make operations more efficient, and the concept is especially attractive to older manufacturing facilities looking to improve the bottom line by reducing their costs. Proper labeling, and use of 5 S posters and signs are an important part of 5 S.

There are five 5S phases: They can be translated from the Japanese as "sort", "straighten", "shine", "standardize", and "sustain". Steps involved in each stage.

Seiri

• Remove unnecessary items and dispose of them properly

• Make work easier by eliminating obstacles.

• Reduce chance of being disturbed with unnecessary items

• Prevent accumulation of unnecessary items

• Evaluate necessary items with regard to cost or other factors

• Remove all parts not in use

Storage solutions play an important part in implementing waste elimination through space reduction, organization improvement, and inventory management. Storage cabinets and workbench products that allow dense storage, a smaller footprint, and visual organization near where the tool is needed, become a key factor in implementing the 5S program.

Systems should be set up so everything has a place that is available when needed, including the manufacturing floor, areas where products are being packaged, through the equipment maintenance area. Everything should be labeled and identified. Local storage minimizes travel time, and adjustable storage and workbenches make it easier to adapt to the differing needs of individual employees.

Using storage walls organized with bar-coded handles can reduce wasted time due to lost inventory and searching. Such systems also facilitate quick tool changes for different product lines. Storing tools next to machines in use rather than in multiple storage locations around the facility can save hours each

Create a 5S documentation system Determine pace of implementation. Draft “straw man” 5S Map Determine “before 5S” photo logistics. Establish visible ways to communicate 5S activities. Coordinate and schedule services required from support organizations. Make a list of internal arrangements to be made Draft time line Communicate your plan to upper management. Take Area Photograph 5S Overview - Lean Training Module Finalize 5S Map Perform Area Evaluation Perform Tagging Technique Conduct Sorting Auction Prepare for Simplifying using labeling technique, using Outlining Technique and by using Shadow Board Technique. Perform Sweeping Perform Standardizing Perform Team Self-Discipline Perform Individual Self-Discipline Measure