ABSTRACT
This chapter helps the readers to understand the purpose of 5S that is sort; set in order; sweep; standardise; and sustain or self-discipline, and also helps them to know the terms used. It describes the stages of the process and the need to sustain the process over time. 5S is a key component of Lean. It also reduces waste by decreasing rework, travel time, unnecessary stock and time spent looking for supplies. In care settings, 5S increases safety by making it more apparent when equipment or supplies are missing, and it can decrease the risk of out-of-date guidance information. 5S is key to Lean because it is the foundation of so many other Lean activities. While service organisations tended to be at an earlier stage of development than manufacturing organisations, they found four key features grouped together repeatedly: management; activity; training; and improvement.
