5S Movement
As stated above, 5S consists of five sequential
steps namely, Sort, Stabilize, Shine, Standardize
and Sustain which are the key elements of
transformation in the workplace. Each step has
its own purpose and method of implementation.
In addition, there are improvement circles, as
depicted in Figure 1, that must be executed
at every step in order to achieve desired and
sustainable results.
S 1 – Sort (Seiri)
Purpose. To clearly distinguish between the
necessary and the unnecessary activities and
make hard decisions to get rid of the unnecessary
ones. This will create an orderly workplace, reduce
congestion and open up opportunities for the next
steps of improvement.
Method. The way to segregate the importance
of things (tools, materials, machines) is by using
stratification management based upon usage
frequency. Things which are used frequently
are considered essential and are placed in the
workplace, closer for users to retrieve. On the
contrary, things that are seldom used or are not
used at all must be removed from the workplace
and moved to a specific store or totally discarded.
While carrying out segregation, it is possible to
find essential things which are in poor condition,
such as damaged or defective items. They must
be restored to their normal condition and ready
for use. Also it is equally important to identify
the root cause of the damage or defect in order
to prevent recurrences. Sorted essential things
must be accurately inventoried and recorded. Only
sufficient inventory is allowed at the workplace to
avoid unnecessary congestion. Therefore usage
rate of essential thing must be accurately analyzed
or measured. With this information, safety stocks
can be decided and the remaining excessive
stocks, if any, can be moved to store. Figure 2
illustrates sorting step and general guidelines.
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