The 5S

The 5S is a workplace organization technique composed for five primary phases: Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

Sort – Keep only necessary items in the workplace.

• Review tools, parts, and instructions;
• Keep only what is essential;
• Eliminate anything that is non-essential.

Examples: Obsolete/expired procedures, damaged/expired inventory, defunct/old equipment

Set In Order – Arrange items to promote efficient work flow.

• Arrange items in a logical order;
• Indicate places for each item clearly;
• Keep each item close to where it will be used.

Reduces: excess movement, excess transportation, over processing, over production, excess inventory, excess delays, defects

Shine – Clean the work area so it is neat and tidy.

• Make cleaning a part of daily work;
• Assign areas of responsibility;
• Return all items or files to their assigned place.

Examples: Dirty tools & equipment, spills & leaks, clutter & mess

Standardize – Set standards for a consistently organized workplace.

• Create standards for Sort, Set In Order, and Shine;
• Make standards easy to understand with Visual Controls;
• Assign and educate on individual responsibilities.

Examples: Work instructions, hazard warnings, equipment/tool labels, process diagrams

Sustain – Maintain and review standards.

• Measure and monitor process;
• Address root causes and avoid reversion to the “old ways”;
• Promote individual feedback and response for improvemen