5S is a workplace organization method originating from Japan that consists of five Japanese words translated as: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. The method is used to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying necessary items, storing them properly, maintaining cleanliness, developing routines, and sustaining the new habits. The five pillars of 5S include sorting out unnecessary items, arranging necessary items for easy access, cleaning everything, standardizing routines, and sustaining the new practices through workplace culture. Benefits of implementing 5S include improved organization, increased motivation and productivity, enhanced health and safety, and reduced mistakes and accidents.

2. 5S is the name of a workplace
organization method that uses a list of five
Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and
shitsuke. Transliterated or translated into English,
they all start with the letter "S". The list describes
how to organize a work space for efficiency and
effectiveness by identifying and storing the items
used, maintaining the area and items, and
sustaining the new order. The decision-making
process usually comes from a dialogue about
standardization, which builds understanding among
employees of how they should do the work.

3. The Five Pillars of 5S (Original Japanese Terms in
Parentheses)
 Sort (Seiri) – Eliminate all the things in the workspace that are not being
used, and store them away or discard.
 Set in Order (Seiton) – Arrange the items used on a daily basis so that they
can be easily accessed and quickly stored.
 Shine (Seiso) – Everything is cleaned and functioning properly.
 Standardize (Seiketsu) – Develop a routine for sorting, setting, and shining.
 Sustain (Shitsuke) – Create a culture that follows the steps on a daily basis.

4. • SEIRI (ORGANISING)
• Decide what you need.
• Remove unnecessary clutter.
• All tools, gauges, materials, classified and then
stored.
• Remove items which are broken, unusable or
only occasionally used.

5. • SEITON (ORDERLINESS)
• Once you have eliminated all the unneeded items, Now
turn to the left over items and arrange them in order.
• Designated locations
• Ensure everything is available as it is needed and at the
“point of use”
• Positions of aisles and storage places clearly marked.
• Tools classified and stored by frequency of use.
• Pallets stacked correctly.
• Safety equipment should be easily accessible.
• Floors should be in good condition

6. Standardized cleaning-point at a 5S organized
plant

7. • SEISO (CLEANINESS/SHINE)
• Create a spotless workplace
• Identify and eliminate causes of dirt and grime –
remove the need to clean
• Sweep, dust, polish and paint
• Divide areas into zones
• Define responsibilities for cleaning
• Tools and equipment must be owned by an
individual
• Focus on removing the need to clean

8. • SEIKETSU (STANDARDISATION)
• Develop procedures, schedules, practices
• Continue to assess the use and disposal of
items
• Regularly audit using checklists and measures
of housekeeping
• Real challenge is to keep it clean

9. • SHITSUKE (SUSTAIN / DISCIPLINE)
• Make it a way of life
• Part of health and safety
• Involve the whole workforce
• Develop and keep good habits

10. KEY POINTS FOR ADOPTING 5S IN OUR PLACE
• Sign marking for all equipment like pallet lift,
pallets, ladder etc.
• Marked Space for water cans.
• Marked Space for lunch.
• Racks for spares storage.
• Rack for DOP’S.
• Box (loose) should be closed and taped after
taking pieces.

11. ADVANTAGES
• Items are easy to locate.
• A clean and tidy workplace leads to greater well
being and increased motivation.
• Company image improves.
• Health and Safety is ensured.
• Well maintained equipment.
• Productivity increases.
• Accidents & mistakes minimized
• Increases space
• Creates workplace ownership