What is 5S?

Lean Production 2024-10-17

5S is a methodology for creating a structured, spacious, and clean workplace. It is about creating a common standard for how things should be organized and kept in place so that it is easy to find what one needs and the workplace is kept in good condition.

5S stands for the five steps:

  1. Seiri (Sort): Go through all items in the workplace and sort out what is not used or necessary.

  2. Seiton (Set in order): Organize items in a structured manner, making it easy to find and use what is needed.

  3. Seiso (Shine): Clean and maintain the workplace regularly, keeping it in good condition.

  4. Seiketsu (Standardize): Create common standards for organizing and maintaining the workplace, making it easy to keep it orderly.

  5. Shitsuke (Sustain): Create a culture where all employees take responsibility for keeping the workplace structured and clean.

5S is often used in lean production and can help increase productivity and quality by eliminating waste and improving the working environment. It can also contribute to increasing employee engagement and accountability.

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