What is 5S Philosophy?
5S Philosophy is the most powerful lean manufacturing tool and a cornerstone of any successful implementation. Alternatively, we can say it’s a simple tool to organize any workplace in clean, efficient, and safe manners to enhance productivity and visual management. The steps of 5S are-
- SEIRI
- SEITON
- SEISO
- SEIKETSU
- SHITSUKE
Origin of the 5S philosophy
The 5S philosophy originated in Japan and was first implemented by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC). They used it in the Toyota Production System (TPS) for continuing the process of Just in Time (JIT). This manufacturing intends to produce only the amount of product that is needed, when it is needed. Sakichi Toyoda and son Kichiro Toyoda, as well as Toyota Engineer Thiichi Ohno, developed this 5S methodology after World War II.
Concept of 5S Philosophy
5S is the method to keep your workplace organized and the way of working practices. There are five Japanese words, and all of them have the first letter S. That’s why it is called 5S. A similar concept, 5C, is developed outside of Japan. Such as-
- Clearing
- Configure
- Cleaning and check
- Conformity and finally
- Custom and practice
And CANDO-
- Cleanup
- Arrange
- Neatness
- Discipline
- Ongoing improvement
5S Meaning in English
| Serial Number | Japanese Meaning | English Meaning |
| 1 | SEIRI | Sifting / Sort |
| 2 | SEITON | Set in order |
| 3 | SEISO | Sweeping and washing / Shine |
| 4 | SEIKETSU | Spick and span / Standardize |
| 5 | SHITSUKE | Self-Discipline / Sustain |
Why is 5S needed for any workplace?
The 5 pillars of the 5S methodology are essential for any workplace to increase productivity and efficiency and to ensure a safer working environment.
SEIRI is necessary because:
- The workplace becomes extremely crowded and hard to work in.
- The cabinets, lockers, and shelves are full of unnecessary items.
- Time is wasted in searching for tools, parts, and other necessary items.
SEITON is necessary because it eliminates various types of waste:
- Movement waste
- Searching waste
- Human energy waste
- Overproduction waste
- Excessive processing waste
SEISO is necessary because:
- Scattered oil and water on the floor caused the slippage and injury.
- Cutting or shaving can get into workers’ eyes and cause injury
- Dirt from cutting and shaving can get into the mix in production, which leads to defects.
- A filthy work environment lowers workers’ morale.
SEIKETSU is necessary because it helps as follows:
- Decide who is responsible for the above 3S activities
- Integrate the above 3S activities regularly
- Prevent the accumulation of unnecessary items
- Ensure that the previous condition will not come back
SHITSUKE is necessary because it avoids the problem, such as:
- Unneeded items begin pulling up as soon as sorting is completed
- Tools and Jigs do not return to their designated place after use
Comparison between before and after the 5S philosophy implementation
SEIRI
SEIRI means what you need to keep; otherwise, remove it from the workplace. Hence, needs to filter the workplace.
SEITON
The SEITON means necessary items are kept in order. Set in order from A to Z or Z to A as you think fit for the workplace.
SEISO
The SEISO means sweeping and washing. Keep it clean after using, that means prepare it for someone using.
SEIKETSU
The SEIKETSU means keep necessary items with spick and span. So, keep something one from the other at a safe distance so that we can use it next time without any interruption.
SHITSUKE
SHITSUKE means self discipline that means making it a habit and establishing SOP.
Advantages of 5S Philosophy
You can achieve tremendous positive change in your workplace if you implement the 5S Philosophy. Such as-
- Reduce waste of time or Muda
- Enhance the working hour utilization rate
- Increase safety
- Cleanliness increase
- Productivity increase
- Tools or Equipment longevity increase
- Reduce defects
- Increase product or service quality
- Customer satisfaction increases
- Increase employee satisfaction
- Reduce cost
- Better asset utilization
- Increase enterprise image
Where applicable, 5S Philosophy?
You can apply 5S in any workplace if you want to provide a better quality product or service. Such as-
- Manufacturing company
- Automobile Repair Shop
- Garments
- Hospital
- Housekeeping
- Educational Institute
- offices
- And many more workplaces
5S workplace checklist
Conclusion
The 5S system is a good starting point for all improvement efforts aiming to drive out waste from the working or manufacturing process. Successful implementation of the 5S methodology has resulted in an increase in productivity as well as the profit level of the organization. And, the other benefits of implementing 5S methodology are higher enthusiasm and punctuality among the workers and safer working conditions.