5S

What is 5S?
5S is a system for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely. This
system focuses on putting everything where it belongs and keeping the workplace clean, which makes it
easier for people to do their jobs without wasting time or risking injury.

5S Translation
The term 5S comes from five Japanese words:
1. Seiri (sort)
2. Seiton (set in order or place)
3. Seiso (shine)
4. Seiketsu (standardize)
5. Shutsuke (sustain)

Benefits of 5S

Over time, the 5S methodology leads to many benefits, including:

 Reduced costs
 Higher quality
 Increased productivity
 Greater employee satisfaction
 A safer work environment
5S & Visual Communication
A key part of 5S is that it makes spaces cleaner and therefore easier to navigate. That means people can
more easily get their work done. Visual communication tools such as labels, floor markings, cabinet and
shelf markings, and shadow boards can make navigating spaces even simpler. Plus, these tools can help
keep the workspace organized. A workplace that uses visual management in this way is often referred to
as a visual workplace.
Sort (Seiri)
Seiri is sorting through all items in a location and removing all unnecessary items from the
location.
Goals:

 Reduce time loss looking for an item by reducing the number of items.
 Reduce the chance of distraction by unnecessary items.
 Simplify inspection.
 Increase the amount of available, useful space.
 Increase safety by eliminating obstacles

Seiton is putting all necessary items in the optimal place for fulfilling their function in the
workplace.
Goal:

 Make the workflow smooth and easy.

Shine (Seiso)
Seiso is sweeping or cleaning and inspecting the workplace, tools and machinery on a regular
basis.
Goals:

 Prevent deterioration.
 Keep the workplace safe and easy to work in.
 Keep the workplace clean and pleasing to work in.
 When in place, anyone not familiar to the environment must be able to detect any problems
within 50 feet in 5 sec.
Standardize (Seiketsu)
Seiketsu is to standardize the processes used to sort, order and clean the workplace.
Goal:

 Establish procedures and schedules to ensure the repetition of the first three ‘S’ practices.

Sustain (Shitsuke)
Shitsuke or sustain the developed processes by self-discipline of the workers. Also translates as
"do without being told".
Goal:

Ensure that the 5S approach is followed

5S originated in the manufacturing industry at Toyota and it has proven useful for manufacturers in
many industries, not just the automobile industry. In recent decades, 5S has moved beyond
manufacturing to other industries such as healthcare. Many offices also employ 5S, as do some
schools and other government organizations.

The basic steps of 5S can be applied to any workplace. An office can use 5S to keep supplies
organized, as can hospitals and medical clinics. 5S can even be used in a communal kitchen to keep
the fridge from filling up with expired food. It's really just a matter of determining what workspaces
and work processes will benefit most from improved workplace organization.

When 5S is used in the workplace, it's easier to detect abnormalities and spot potential problems
before they grow into significant issues.
Workplace Improvement-5S