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.

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J. Jerrald Hayes
I am ex-architectural woodworker and general contractor turned IT, Business and Project Management consultant, software developer wannabe senior division triathlete and ski racer, Yankee fan and founder of Paradigm-360.com, 360 Difference Mac4Construction.com,iOS4Construction.com and now TheBuildingAndRemodelingWiki.com too.
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