INGENIEUR
S 2 – Stabilize (Seiton)
Purpose. To locate sorted things (tools, materials,
equipment) in the right place or right layout so
they can be used in a hurry. This will eliminate
unnecessary search which is a waste of human
effort. Neatness or stability is achieved at
workplace once things are located in the right
place with quality, efficiency and safety in mind.
Method. The emphasis here is on functional
management and search eradication. Functional
management comprise s four executive
considerations:
1. To study how often things are utilized by users
the performance their jobs in the work place.
General guideline - things frequently used must
be placed near to the users.
2. To identify the right location to place things
so that users may retrieve them in the fastest
time, least distance for reaching and quick
application in perform jobs.
3. To decide the best method to place things so
that users can identify them easily without
having to search. Some useful methods
include; tool boxes to keep tools, racks
or shelves where different things may be
separately stored, portable trolleys with
identifiable compartments to keep variety of
things, shadow boards for tools, hangers which
longer things can be hooked to or wound on
and labelled container etc.
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VOL 55 JUNE 2013
4. To establish rules or guidelines so that users
must follow so that things are placed in their
designated places and locations at all times.
Visual management is required to constantly
keep users aware of the best approach.
Some practical examples are standard labels
naming the location of things, colour coding to
designate position, notice or signage to remind
users, special marking to identify designated
location etc.
Figure 3 shows the flow chart for executing the
above mentioned considerations and illustrates a
good example of S2-Stabilize.
S 3 - Shine (Seiso)
Purpose. Cleaning means more than just keeping
things clean. It is more a philosophy and a
commitment to be responsible for all aspects of
things that are used and for ensuring they are
maintained in tip top condition. Contaminants
are one of the main causes of defects to material
and sudden breakdowns in machines. Therefore,
by cleaning and removing contaminants, the
problems discussed above can be avoided. In
addition, while carrying out cleaning activities,
workers or users are directly in contact with
materials, tools or machines. As such, they can
indirectly inspect things and detect abnormalities
and get them corrected before serious problems
occur. Cleaning must never be considered as