5S

DEFINITION AND BENEFITS

What is 5S

5S is the most powerful Lean Manufacturing Tool

5S is a method for organizing the workplace

Enhance productivity, visual management and to ensure

the introduction of standardized working.
The Concept of 5S
5S as a methodology has come out of the techniques
within Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and from the
Toyota Production System (TPS)
5S is a methodical way to organize your workplace and
your working practices as well as being an overall
philosophy and way of working.
Named after 5 different Japanese term beginning with
the letter S; (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke)
hence the name 5 S
The Concept of 5S
Japanese term English descriptions

Seiri Sort, Clearing, Classify

5 Seiton Straighten, Simplify, Set in order,

Configure
Seiso Sweep, shine, Scrub, Clean and Check
s Seiketsu Standardize, stabilize, Conformity

Shitsuke Sustain, self discipline, custom and

practice
5S Seiri or Sort

Eliminate which is not needed

Sorting of the clutter from the other items within the

work area that are actually needed.

Remove all items that clearly do not belong in the

working area.
5S Seiton or Straighten / Set in order
Organize remaining items

Arrange them in an efficient manner through the use of

ergonomic principles

Ensure that every item has a place and that everything is

in its place.
5S Seiso or Sweep / shine
Clean the work area, tools, machines and other equipment to
ensure that everything is returned to a nearly new status.

Inspect the work Station for any non-conformity stands out.

5S Seiketsu or Standardize

the process of ensuring that what we have done within

the first three stages of 5S become standardized
ensuring that the most efficient, and least wasteful ways
of doing things are performed in a repeatable manner
Standard work is one of the most important principles of
Lean manufacturing.
5S Shitsuke or Sustain

Regularly apply the standards

Ensuring that the company continue to continually improve

using the previous stages of 5S

Maintain housekeeping, and conduct audits and so forth.

5S should become part of the culture of the business and the

responsibility of everyone in the organization
Benefits of implementing the 5S Process
5S is a cornerstone of any lean manufacturing
implementation. The benefits of 5S for Lean are significant,
it is suggested that efficiency gains of the order of 10% to
30% can be achieved.
1. Less Waste (Improved Efficiency)

A key principle of 5S is to get rid of items that are not used, and
make it easier to find items that are needed. The result is that time
is spent more productively and less time is wasted finding needed
tools and materials.
In 5S, materials, tools, machines and equipment are positioned in
ergonomic locations. Ergonomic positioning helps to address and
eliminate the seven wastes.
2. Less Space Used For Storage (Reduced Costs)

By eliminating unused materials, tools and equipment, and getting

rid of clutter, a surprising amount of space will free up. There is a cost
associated with space, not only in the rental or lease costs, but in
heating/cooling, cleaning and maintaining of that space.
3. Clean(Improved Maintenance & Less Down
Time)

When machines, equipment, and tools are kept clean and free from
clutter, it is easier to spot defects, part failures, and problems such
as an oil leak. This allows preventative maintenance to address the
problem before it becomes a more serious problem.
4. Improved Safety

Unsafe practices are eliminated through the

standardization step of 5S
Employees who have their eyes open for spotting ways
to improve using 5S principles will be more aware of
their surroundings and potential safety hazards.
5. Better, More Committed Employees
(Improved Quality)

When your employees see you care about them, their

work area, and that you value their input, they care more
about their job. The clean, organized workplace that
results from 5S is a more pleasant workplace that leads to
improved employee attitudes. The focus on cleanliness,
organization, labor-saving efficiency, having the right
tools, and using quality standards leads to an increased
pride in workmanship.