Agility Centre
5s.doc
5S Practice
Explanation
The 5S Practice is a technique used to establish and maintain a quality environment in an organisation. The 5Ss are a group of techniques to promote workplace organisation, ensure adherence to standards and foster the spirit of continuous improvement.
Principles/ Key Attributes
To successfully convey the message of 5S across the organisation, achieve total participation and systematically implement the practice, establishing effective quality processes as prerequisites for good products and services, the following step-by-step approach should be adhered: Organisation (Seiri) The objective of organisation is to get rid of unwanted items by focussing on the core items that are needed to fulfil the requirements of the job and discard items that are not needed. This could focus on the elimination of excess inventory affecting, warehouse space, transportation, labour costs, needed items, and redundant parts, for example. Neatness (Seiton) Neatness focuses on efficiency, with the main objective being on how quickly one can get the things needed and how quickly those things can be put away. This is achieved through locating a specific place for specific items of a specific quantity, where needed. Cleaning (Seiso) The objective of cleaning is to identify abnormalities and areas for improvement. This is achieved through a combination of cleaning the workplace and at the same time focusing on the identification of abnormalities or out of control conditions. Standardisation (Seiketsu) The objective of standardisation is to consolidate the first 3 Ss by establishing standard procedures. This activity is carried out to determine the best work practices and find ways of ensuring that everyone carries out an individual activity the same best way. Discipline (Shitsuke) The objective of discipline is to sustain improvements and make further improvements by encouraging effective use of the Check-Act-Plan-Do cycles. This is achieved through strict adherence to current improvements and the development of an environment for future improvements.
The Impact on functional Activities
The approach embodied with 5S will effect everyone and everything within an organisation. The technique of 5S begins with a promotion plan for the sole purpose of promoting the establishment of the 5Ss. This incorporates everyone within the organisation from the highest level to shop floor level consisting of a blame-free environment. To instil all viewpoints at each level a steering committee is formulated and is responsible for the implementation of 5S.
Copyright 2000 Page 1 of 2 24/04/2002
Agility Centre
5s.doc
The next stage is Awareness Training focusing on the dissemination of the 5S plan and its objectives and incorporating suggestion schemes for the buy-in of all employees. An Internal Audit highlighting areas for improvement. The scope of activity for the implementation of the 5S technique may incorporate every area within your organisation or focus on specific areas. Primarily, while incorporating the 5Ss this will include: Disposal of Equipment Disposal of Documentation Signboard Strategy Team
Environmental Turbulence Indicators
Intensity of Competition Dynamic Customer Requirements Supply Chain Turbulence
Agile Capabilities Index
Product Process People Operational Organisational
Risks
The major problem with change is buy-in from all levels of personnel. This includes shop floor personnel who will predominantly encompass the ownership of change on the shop floor and implement actual change on the surrounding area and to the processes themselves. Further, risks include the initial expense of equipment to start cleaning and for the dissemination of information in terms of notice boards, posters and stationary and awareness training. A major risk is the lack of discipline and maintenance of the 5S technique, effectively letting all the good work drop due to a lack of monitoring and keeping on top of the situation.
Benefits
Implementing the 5S technique will have major benefits on an organisation such as: Focus on needed items and the elimination/disposal of unneeded items; Cleaner workplace and brighter working environment; Employee empowerment through ownership; Single-point tooling, one of everything; Set point locations for needed items; Understanding by all of the implications of the 5S Technique due to open channels of communication.
References
The 5S Improvement Handbook, Productivity Europe.
Copyright 2000
Page 2 of 2
24/04/2002
