ABSTRACT
A foundation that any workplace needs is 5S: manufacturing areas, warehouses, offices, maintenance workshops, and anywhere within a business. A cultural discipline adopted by all. A typical example in everyday life would be a supermarket. Aisles simply identified, shelves adequately stocked and labelled, and trolleys in specific trolley parks. Simply put, “A Place for Everything and Everything in its Place.” I have been involved in a number of examples where 5S has been the foundation of business improvement. Industries inclusive of automotive, aerospace, and oil and gas, with diverse practices such as foundry processes, CNC machining, and paint shop operations. Like any process, 5S needs to be measured via an Audit, with “BEFORE” photos and a Plan of Action. Then, periodic re-audits and “AFTER” photos once the standard is achieved are needed. The minimum score is usually set at 90%; 5S then becomes the foundation for improved Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People performance.
