5S is an important part of Lean Manufacturing. The 5S methodology focuses on effective work place organization and standardized work procedures. The five S’s are based on Japanese words that begin with “S”: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke. Several attempts have been made to translate the Japanese 5S’s to English words beginning with S. A translation is provided below:
Sort – (Seiri) focuses on eliminating unnecessary items from the workplace.
Set In Order – (Seiton) focuses on efficient and effective storage methods (a place for everything and everything in its place).
Shine – (Seiso) to thoroughly clean the work area. Daily follow-up cleaning is necessary in order to sustain this improvement.
Standardize – (Seiketsu) to concentrate on standardizing best practices in the work area.
Sustain – (Shitsuke) to sustain focus on defining a new status quo and standard for work place organization.
