A program to reduce the number of steps needed to do a job and make the work area cleaner so that it is safer and more productive. The 5 steps of 5S are:

1. Sort
2. Set
3. Shine
4. Standardize
5. Sustain

Rules of 5S:

• Everything HAS a place and everything IN its place.
• Nothing on the Floor except legs, wheels, or pallets.
• When in doubt, throw it out.

What is the most disorganized area of your home?

• Garage?
• Storage Closet?
• Toolshed?

Is this what your tool shed looks like?

What is the most organized place you can think of?

An example of a perfectly organized place is aisles in the grocery store.

Environment Before 5S

AM Step 1 Flow – Sort

• Perform the SORT activity of 5S
• Create the “Red Tag Zone” for items you do not need

SET/STORE

• Locate a specific place for each item (tools, equipment, material), close to where it is needed
• “A place for everything and everything in its place.”

SHINE

• This is done by dividing the work area into zones and assigning roles each person is to play in their area of responsibility
• Not a simple wipe off of dust
• Eliminate sources of contamination

Standardize & Sustain

• Standardization:  Create OPLs, implement demarcation
• Sustain:  Self-discipline is required.  Everybody is responsible for making 5 S work

Summary

• The 5S is a technique to keep the workplace organized at all times
• The 5S are Sort, Set, Shine, Standardize & Sustain
• Normally in Step 1, we only do the first three steps of 5S (SORT, SET/STORE & SHINE)

Remember the Before Shot?

Good luck with your challenges and remember 5S is the foundation of any improvement program!