A hands-on management technique aimed at improving the company\u2019s working environment to make it safe and standardised, the 5S method involves empowering employees at all levels of the organisation. Commitment at all levels is crucial to gaining the support of employees and creating a common company culture. Here are the 5 rules laid out in this Japanese code of conduct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coming straight from Japan, the 5S method<\/a> is a part of the Lean philosophy: it aims to better organise the workplace to make it more efficient. Indeed, a tidy and clearly arranged workspace not only improves the productivity and quality of production processes, but it also makes them significantly safer. Moreover, as safety is ensured, employees can better focus on the important tasks at hand, such as working productively and efficiently. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 5 operations of the 5S method: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the details of each of these 5 steps and what they bring to the company. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The advantages of this method are numerous. It enables you to: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sort, shine, set in order, standardise, sustain: Here are the essential steps to follow in order to obtain optimal results. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The idea here is to remove everything that is not essential from the working area to limit the build-up of clutter and free up a more functional space<\/strong>. This step includes all the following actions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sorting involves prioritising <\/strong>in detail what should be thrown away and what should be kept. It is particularly applicable in factories and in manufacturing where numerous tools are used, which can slow down productivity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this step can also be applied<\/strong> to office jobs<\/strong> where the sorting and closing of windows and files on the computer allow you to focus only on what is directly related to the task at hand. Thus making it possible to reduce the number of interruptions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The idea is to define a very precise place for everything (tools, files, supplies, etc.) so you can find it quickly and easily. This step must follow certain rules: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Set in order eliminates wasted time which, however short, can be detrimental to productivity as it builds up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The aim of this step is to make the workspace completely clean<\/strong> after having first cleared it and tidied it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to cleanliness, shine makes it possible to anticipate the<\/strong> occurrence of anomalies on machines<\/strong> by quickly detecting any problem or by avoiding the accumulation of dust, which is sometimes the cause of a malfunction in a tool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is therefore the first step towards auto-maintenance<\/strong>, consisting of the early detection<\/strong> of premature wear and tear<\/strong> on machines, which can bring production to a standstill for some time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A clean workstation also ensures safety <\/strong>and avoids the risk of injury from slips or flying objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Furthermore, a clean working environment enhances the working experience. Therefore providing a pleasant working environment<\/strong> and a healthy atmosphere. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This step <\/strong>consists of being rigorous in maintaining a clean and tidy workspace, free of all unnecessary items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This\u00a0term\u00a0should\u00a0also\u00a0be\u00a0understood\u00a0in the\u00a0sense\u00a0of \u201cstandardising<\/strong>\u201d, i.e. setting rules for keeping the workspace in a clearly-defined state. It can also be seen as a kind of\u00a0visual\u00a0management<\/strong>\u00a0process,\u00a0aimed\u00a0at\u00a0identifying\u00a0and\u00a0immediately\u00a0excluding\u00a0anything\u00a0that\u00a0might\u00a0contradict\u00a0this\u00a0new\u00a0order. This can\u00a0be\u00a0done\u00a0by\u00a0using\u00a0colour\u00a0codes, the\u00a0company\u2019s\u00a0intranet or an instruction\u00a0board\u00a0(whiteboard<\/a>,\u00a0easel<\/a>, etc.). This standardisation\u00a0step\u00a0involves\u00a0the\u00a0implementation\u00a0of\u00a0several\u00a0elements\u00a0which\u00a0will\u00a0also\u00a0form\u00a0the basis of the last\u00a0step\u00a0of 5S.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The instruction board should contain short and simple instructions. A diagram, checklist or flowchart can provide a simple explanation of the process to follow. Instructions should be easy to understand<\/strong> and can take different forms, such as a photo of a cabinet showing exactly where each item should be stored. Also make sure that the instructions are legible from a distance<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use colours as much as possible. For example, coloured tape<\/a> makes it easier to visualise the operations to be carried out, e.g. \u201cWhich products have a certain colour? \u201d or \u201cWho does what?\u201d. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hang the instruction board in the right place, where it will be seen by as many people as possible and, more importantly, by those concerned. <\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat are the advantages of the 5S method for companies?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
employee commitment through better working conditions; <\/li>What are the practical applications of the 5S method?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sort<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Set in order<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Shine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Standardise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Give clear instructions<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Add colour<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Choose the right location<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Signal hazards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n