The Basics Of 5s In Lean Manufacturing

1. THE BASICS OF 5S IN LEAN
MANUFACTURING
By Matt Bruner

3. • We know there are 8 wastes in lean manufacturing, but have
you heard of 5S?
• The idea is that each worker in lean manufacturing production
is in charge of systematically keeping their area clean,
functional, and organized.
• These five stages provide a method of organizing a workspace
so that the items needed most often are always readily to
handle while less frequently used items do not clutter the
workspace but are still easily retrieved from storage. A neat
and tidy workspace makes it easier to find things and leads to
more efficient work.

4. The Basics
• Though the terms originated in Japan, the translation of them is Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize,
Sustain.
• Sorting removes items that are not needed and reduces clutter.
• As for set in order: That means placing them so they can be found, retrieved, used and put back in place
efficiently as possible, making the work processes run smoothly and efficiently." Click the link for detailed
guidelines on this.
• Then, shine! This means to deep clean and look for things that need to be repaired.
• Fourth is standardize. Find the best procedures and ways to complete tasks and then share them with the
team. Keeping things consistent is a great way to stay efficient.
• Last, sustain. Some say this is the hardest step! Just like lean manufacturing analytics in general, the 5S
process is a journey and there are always things to improve.
• While lean is not just about tools like 5S, this is often a good place to start. Having a clean and organized
workspace just makes life easier. Clutter will get you nowhere.
• How could 5S help you?