By Grainger Editorial Staff
There is always a better way to run your business. The 5S+2S Continuous Improvement method (a form of Lean thinking) focuses on effective workplace organization and standardized work procedures. Initially developed in Japan, adopting 5S+2S represents a change in the mindset of your company and the attitude with which you approach it. It is about maintaining standards and disciplines, achieved by an atmosphere of respect toward the workers and the workplace itself.
How much floor space are you using to store items? How much time do you use searching for just the right tool, part or fixture? The Sort phase of 5S+2S addresses this first crucial issue. Every item in the work area is considered for its utility (Do I really use this?) and its placement (Is this really the best place for this item?).
Quick Tips for Sorting
After discarding non-essential clutter from the work area, it is necessary to create efficient, clearly identified storage areas for the items that remain on-hand. Determine the best location for each item, considering the most efficient access point for that particular tool or object. There must be a place for everything, and everything must be in its place.
Quick Tips for Straightening
Thoroughly clean the entire work area. This ensures proper care for all of your tools and equipment, as well as setting the expectation for continued cleanliness. Workers take pride in a clean and clutter-free work area; daily cleanliness and upkeep will assist in creating a sense of ownership of the equipment and the facility.
Quick Tips for Shining
Decide what the best practices are for your workplace productivity. Allow everyone to participate in the development of these practices; by asking for collaboration from the people who perform these tasks you can identify what works and what doesn’t in your current workflow. Then create standardized procedures and responsibilities that encapsulate these best practices while eliminating problems.
Quick Tips for Standardizing
5S is all about ongoing improvement. Sustaining in 5S is all about ensuring the new process is being followed and continually reviewed for further development. Regular review of the implementation – are the checklists being used, are the work areas being cleaned, is the work flowing in the way we predicted – is at the heart of sustaining 5S + 2S. This also opens the door to identify and improve areas that still need to be streamlined or altered in some way.
Quick Tips for Sustaining
Unsafe work environments reduce productivity and can be very costly. Safety in the workplace includes adherence to regulatory compliance standards, as well as purposeful minimizing of potentially hazardous situations for workers. By creating a safe place to work, organizations not only curb potential financial loss, but also demonstrate respect for their employees and facilities.
Security measures must be included in daily practices to ensure safe, productive, profitable work environments. Organizations should recognize non-secure practices, and take steps to eliminate risks associated with unsupervised visitors, potential larceny or theft. By implementing a plan for safety, your organization can reach its fullest potential for success.
The items in the 5S+2S system are simple, yet invaluably effective. Its effectiveness lies in setting high standards for the workplace, and creating an atmosphere that promotes meeting those expectations. By eliminating clutter and maintaining clean, working equipment, workers begin to take more pride in the space they occupy. Since operations become more streamlined, more time is spent producing rather than being wasted with unnecessary activities. With an attitude of upkeep and regular reassessment, 5S can maintain this high level of efficiency while also adapting to your company’s changing needs.
The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.