5S Protocol

Overview

The ‘5S’ system is a practical idea that aims to maximise efficiency, performance and productivity. By establishing a reliable and consistent process, team members will become more resourceful and organised. This goes hand in hand with the idea that increased efficiency facilitates increased profitability.

 

What Exactly Are The 5 S’?

 

  1. Sort

  2. Set

  3. Shine

  4. Standardise

  5. Sustain

 

Sort

The initial stage of the ‘5S’ process involves removing unnecessary items. Equipment that is not required can sometimes accumulate. This will lead to clutter if not dealt with immediately. Disposing of the items properly will optimise your working environment and make working easier.

Set

Arrange your items in an established order to make it easy to find and use what you need. The arrangement should be clear not just to yourself, but also for your colleagues who may also be using the equipment in question.

Shine

Ensuring that cleanliness of your workspace helps keep the operation running smoothly.

Standardise

Apply the same methods, documentation, machinery and tools wherever possible. This ensures staff are familiar and  become very  familiar with limited standard options.

Sustain

Consistently maintaining the standards that you have set will result in an established system all staff members know and should adhere to, thus improving efficiency.

Play the 5S Game

Click here to read about the 5S Game (PDF)

Click here to download the 5S Game (Powerpoint File)