Source: http://www.qualitygurus.net/5+S&structure=Quality+Improvement+Tools&page_ref_id=124
5 S
What are 5 S?
5S is a workplace improvement tool. It was invented in Japan.
It stands for five (5) Japanese words that start with the letter ‘S’:
Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke.
| 5 S | 5 C | English Equivalent | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seiri | Clear out | Sort (Tidiness) | Throw away all unrelated materials in the workplace |
| Seiton | Configure | Set in Order (Orderliness) | Set everything in proper place |
| Seiso | Clean / check | Shine (Cleanliness) | Clean the workplace |
| Seiketsu | Conformity | Standardize (Standardization) | Standardize the way of maintaining cleanliness |
| Shitsuke | Custom and practice | Sustain (Discipline) | Practice ‘Five S’ daily |
Advantages:
- Increases profit
- Improves efficiency
- Eliminate wasted steps
- Involves workers in improvement
- Reduces costs
- Reduces breakdowns and accidents
