Structure, organization, and discipline are important characteristics to operate any business successfully. The 5S methodology is about having a designated place for every necessary item and ensuring that each item is in its proper place. It is about being organized. This approach ensures that the work-space is conducive to effectiveness and efficiency.
A good 5S environment will:
● Improve Safety by reducing OSHA recordable incidents and injuries
● Improve Quality by eliminating defects due to the use of improper tools or non-compliant materials and eliminating FOD (Foreign Object Debris) or contamination
● Improve Delivery by improving Safety and Quality and eliminating the need to look for the appropriate tools or materials
● Improve Cost by improving Safety and Quality while also improving productivity of operators through the elimination of searching for tools or materials and improving machine up-time through periodic inspection, maintenance, and cleaning.
While 5S can be applied as a stand-alone tool, its real power is as part of all the lean tools e.g., standard work, SMED, Kanban, TPM, 3P, etc. Being organized is a key part of all the lean tools.
