ABSTRACT
The Plan–Do–Check–Act phase requires changing behaviors and that is rarely easy, even if it is change for the better. Skillfully managing the act phase is thus a key determination in the success of our Lean expedition. The skills obtained during successful standardize and sustain (the standard work or act phase of 5S) are directly applicable to any improvement. Like everything else associated with our expedition, the degree of achievement—of sustained success—isn't random or due to the fickleness of Lady Luck. Lean leaders have been exploring 5S as a logical first tactical tool for organizations embarking on a Lean expedition. As stated previously, it's the last two components—standardize and sustain—that make or break almost all 5S efforts. Sustaining 5S involves intentional periodic audits to ensure that the original conditions and assumptions regarding the first four 5S components are still valid.
