“Red-Tagging” temporarily attaches a highly-visible tag to the item, which notes where it was found and when. If you find an item that you can’t identify, or that has uncertain ownership, it’s time to use a red tag.

Other items might belong to another work process or location they should be returned to their “homes.” However, you might find some items that you aren’t sure about. Some of those removed items will need to be thrown away or recycled. Items that are necessary or useful for the work being done in that space should be kept there. Clearing the Work Areaįor this step, take a close look at the items, tools, and materials in a work area. The first step in the 5S process is Sort, or “seiri,” which translates to “tidiness.” The goal of the Sort step is to eliminate clutter and clear up space by removing things that don’t belong in the area. And with responsibility and tracking, workers will continue to apply the steps, returning to step 1. These changes to workers’ job duties and work environment should be reflected in updated procedures through step 4 (Standardize).įinally, those new procedures won’t amount to much unless responsibility is assigned and progress is tracked - as required for step 5 (Sustain).

Then, once the work space is de-cluttered and organized, dirt and grime can be removed in step 3 (Shine). These steps feed into each other, so the sequence is important.Ĭlearing out unnecessary materials in step 1 (Sort) will provide the space needed to organize the important items in step 2 (Set In Order). Incorporate 5S into standard operating proceduresĪssign responsibility, track progress, and continue the cycle Organize and identify storage for efficient use The basic ideas and the connections between them are easy to understand, though. The Steps of 5SĥS was created in Japan, and the original “S” terms were in Japanese, so English translations for each of the five steps may vary. Sortīy providing a systematic framework for organization and cleanliness, 5S helps facilities avoid lost productivity from delayed work or unplanned downtime. There are five steps in the system, each starting with the letter S: 1. The 5S system is a lean manufacturing tool that improves workplace efficiency and eliminates waste.

Master the boards step 3 5th pdf