5S (methodology)

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Tools drawer at a 5S working place

5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri,
seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke. Transliterated or translated into English, they all start with
the letter "S".[1] The list describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness
by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new
order.[2] The decision-making process usually comes from a dialogue about standardization,
which builds understanding among employees of how they should do the work.

Contents

1 The 5 Ss
o 1.1 Seiri
1.1.1 (Sort)
o 1.2 Seiton
1.2.1 (Straighten)
o 1.3 Seiso
1.3.1 (Shine)
o 1.4 Seiketsu
1.4.1 (Standardize)
o 1.5 Shitsuke
1.5.1 (Sustain)
2 Additional Ss
o 2.1 Safety

2.2 Security
3 The Origins of 5S
4 See also
5 References
o

The 5 Ss
There are five primary 5S phases: They can be translated from the Japanese as "sort",
"straighten", "shine", "standardize", and "sustain". Other translations are possible.

Seiri
(Sort)

Remove unnecessary items and dispose of them properly

Make work easier by eliminating obstacles
Reduce chance of being disturbed with unnecessary items
Prevent accumulation of unnecessary items
Evaluate necessary items with regard to cost or other factors.
Remove all parts not in use.

Seiton
(Straighten)

Arrange all necessary items in order so they can be easily picked for use
Prevent loss and waste of time
Make it easy to find and pick up necessary items
Ensure first-come-first-served basis
Make workflow smooth and easy
Can also be translated as "set in order" or "streamline"

Seiso
(Shine)

Clean your workplace completely

Use cleaning as inspection
Prevent machinery and equipment deterioration
Keep workplace safe and easy to work
Can also be translated as "sweep"

Seiketsu
(Standardize)

Maintain high standards of housekeeping and workplace organization at all times

Maintain cleanliness and orderliness
Maintain everything in order and according to its standard.
Everything in its right place
Prominently display a picture or diagram showing the proper layout of the workspace.

Shitsuke
(Sustain)

To keep in working order

Also translates as "do without being told", (though this doesn't begin with S).
Perform regular audits

Additional Ss
Other phases are sometimes included e.g. safety, security, and satisfaction. These however do not
form a traditional set of "phases" as the additions of these extra steps are simply to clarify the
benefits of 5S and not a different or more inclusive methodology.

Safety
The phase "Safety" is sometimes added.[3] There is debate over whether including this sixth "S"
promotes safety by stating this value explicitly, or if a comprehensive safety program is
undermined when it is relegated to a single item in an efficiency-focused business methodology.

Security
The phase "Security" can also be added. To leverage security as an investment rather than an
expense, the seventh "S" identifies and addresses risks to key business categories including fixed
assets (PP&E), material, human capital, brand equity, intellectual property, information
technology, assets-in-transit and the extended supply chain. Techniques are adapted from those
detailed in Total security management (TSM) or the business practice of developing and
implementing comprehensive risk management and security practices for a firms entire value
chain.

The Origins of 5S
5S was developed in Japan and was identified as one of the techniques that enabled Just in Time
manufacturing.[4]
Two major frameworks for understanding and applying 5S to business environments have arisen,
one proposed by Osada, the other by Hirano.[5][6] Hirano provided a structure for improvement
programs with a series of identifiable steps, each building on its predecessor. As noted by John

Bicheno,[7] Toyota's adoption of the Hirano approach was '4S', with Seiton and Seiso combined.
However, Toyota now uses the 5S as a standard.
Although the origins of the 5S methodology are in manufacturing, it can also be applied to
knowledge-economy work, with information, software, or media in the place of physical product.
[8]

See also

Kaikaku
Kaizen
Kanban
Lean Manufacturing
Muda

References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

http://www.graphicproducts.com/tutorials/five-s/
http://www.siliconfareast.com/5S.htm
"Lean and Environment Training Modules". United States Government, Green
Supply Network. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
Womack, James; Jones, Daniel; Roos, Daniel (1991). Machine That Changed The
World. Productivity Press. ISBN 978-1-84737-055-6.
Hirano, Hiroyuki (1995). 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace. Cambridge, MA:
Productivity Press. ISBN 978-1-56327-047-5.
Osada, Takashi (1995). The 5Ss: Five keys to a Total Quality Environment. US:
Asian Productivity Organization. ISBN 9283311167.
Bicheno, John. New Lean Toolbox: Towards Fast, Flexible Flow. Buckingham:
PICSIE. ISBN 978-0-9541244-1-0.
http://ceiton.com/CMS/EN/company/profile.html#Origin

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title=5S_(methodology)&oldid=631592608"
Categories:
Methodology
Japanese business terms
Lean manufacturing

This page was last modified on 29 October 2014 at 10:08.

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