#6s process

Image Credits : GOOGLE

          5S is a regular systematic form of visual management, using everything from floor tape to operation manuals. It not only simply focus on visual order, authentication, hygiene or organisation; It is also about increasing efficiency, profitability, service and safety. 5S is a unique idea and framework that emphasizes the use of a specific mindset and tools to create efficiency and value. The principles underlying a 5S program at first appear to be simple and obvious common sense. However, when implemented in a disciplinary manner, the above benefits will occur.

          This system focuses on keeping everything where it works and keeping the workplace clean, making it easier for people to do their jobs without wasting time, without confusion and without injuries. It involves observing, assessing everything present in a space, collaborating, and searching for waste and also involves the practice of removing waste, keeping this cycle going organise, clean, repeat.

5S include five terms that all start with the letter "S".

Credits: Google

What Does 5S Stand For?

          5S, generally stated as 5s or Five S. 5S came from Japanese terms. These Japanese words used to describe the phases of the 5S system of visual management. Each term starts with an S. In Japanese, the 5S's are Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. In English, the 5S's are usually translated as Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

The Five key practices are as described below:

1) JAPANESE TERM -- Seiri

    ENGLISH TERM    -- Sort

          It involves going through all the tools, materials, equipment etc., keeping only the essential items needed for the full work. Some questions that have to ask our self at this stage are: --> What is the use of this equipment or item? --> When was the last time this item was used? --> How often it is used? --> Who used it? --> Do this item really essential to be here?           This action passes through all subjects in a workplace ad work piece to determine the value of each item and ends with the need and removal. Everything that has not been used to complete the work process should leave the work area.   

2) JAPANESE TERM -- Seiton

    ENGLISH TERM    -- Set in order

          Once the extra items are removed it is easier to see and identify what's what. Make sure that all items are organised and each item has a designated location. Organise all the remaining items in a logical way and felicitate the work to make the workers complete.  This often involves:

Which people (or workstations) use which items?

When those items are used?

what items are often used?

Should items be grouped by type?

Where would it be most logical to place items?

Do some appointments on unnecessary movements?

Need more storage containers to handle things?

 3) JAPANESE TERM -- Seiso

      ENGLISH TERM    -- Shine

          The shine stage of 5S focuses on proactive efforts to keep workplace areas clean and orderly. This means cleaning and maintaining the newly organised workspace. It involves simple and routine tasks such as sweeping, moping, wipingdown surfaces, putting tools and materials away etc., In addition to basic cleaning, performing regular maintenance of machinery, tools and other equipment.

 4) JAPANESE TERM -- Seiketsu

      ENGLISH TERM    -- Standardize           After completing first three steps of 5S, things should look pretty good. All the extra stuff is gone, everything is maintained, spaces are cleaned, and equipment is in good working condition.           In this stage create a set of standards for both organization and processes. In essence, this is where you take the first three S's and make rules for how and when these tasks will be performed. These standards can involve regular tasks, creating schedules, charts, lists, and posts instructions so these activities become routine.

5) JAPANESE TERM -- Shitsuke

      ENGLISH TERM    -- Sustain           Sustain refers to the process of keeping 5S running smoothly, but also of keeping everyone in the organisation involved. Sustain new practices and conduct audits to maintain discipline. This means the previous four S's must be continued over time. Managers need to participate, as do employees out on the manufacturing floor, in the warehouse, or in the office. Sustain is about making 5S a lon-term program, not just an event or short-term project. Ideally, 5S becomes a part of an organisation's culture and when 5S is sustained over time, that's when businesses will start to notice continuous positive results.

6) SAFETY -- THE 6th S           Some companies like to include a sixth S in their 5S program i.e., Safety. When safety is included, this system is often called as 6S. The safety step involves focusing on what can be done to eliminate risks in work processes by arranging things in certain ways.           Some industries believes Safety an outcome of performing the other 5S's appropriately, and as a result say 6S isn't necessary. They think if workplace is properly organised and cleaned and uses helpful visual safety cues, a seperate safety step is unnecessary.           Neither approach to safety is right or wrong, but however a business wants to approach safety, it should be aware that paying attention to safety is important.