What is 5S

5S is a improvement technique usually associated with six sigma. The main purpose of which is to maintain an effective workplace that is organized and efficient.

5s is a methodology that ensures that everything has it’s place in the workplace and that time is then not wasted in looking for something. The most important aspects are in determining what should be kept and where it should be stored.

5’s is a Japanese methodology and is a reference to five Japanese words beginning with s. These are often translated into English which sees the 5 S’s as:

Sort - Separate needed items and eliminate uneeded.
Set in order – Set a place aside for items that are needed and ensure that they can be easily retrieved
Sweep – Keep the workplace clean
Standardize – Ensure that the workplace is kept in a standard way
Sustain - ensure that 5s becomes an established procedure.