Developed in Japan and adopted by Toyota as an integral part of its production system, the 5S method is an essential component of lean system. It focuses on improving workplace organization in order to increase efficiency and productivity by reducing waste.
The technique is extremely useful in multiple contexts, especially when faced with clutter and dirt, misplaced items, overflowing drawers, and limited space. The 5S allows you to efficiently and rationally organize everything you have on hand. Thanks to this technique, you can improve the management of space and materials, making daily life easier and reducing the stress related to clutter.
It's origins can be traced to the concept of "Kaizen", a Japanese term meaning continuous improvement, and can be applied in all areas of a company's work.
5S: Definitions
The "5S" represent five actionable principles, each beginning with the letter "S" according to Japanese terminology:
Seiri (EN: Sort; IT: Select): The first step of the technique is to separate necessary objects from unnecessary ones and to remove the latter. This makes better use of space and reduces the time spent searching for materials, tools and information.
At a practical level, the frequency of use of each object is defined in order to determine the need to keep it in the workspace. Objects with low frequency of use are moved to a space called the Red Area. Having defined a time frame consistent with the activity at the workstation, if the object proves necessary during work operations it can be taken out of the Red Area. What remains within it after the set time interval is removed permanently.
Seiton (EN: Set in order; IT: Order): provides for the identification of a single place for each necessary object. This reduces the number of movements and time needed to search for objects and improves the safety of workstations.
Objects should be placed close to the point of use, ensuring accessibility and using shared criteria that make tools easy to locate, pick up, and relocate.
Seiso (EN: Shine; IT: Clean): involves identifying and removing dirt from the workplace while inspecting to remove the sources that produce it. Cleaning makes the work environment more comfortable, improves the safety level and increases the useful life of objects.
Seiketsu (EN: Standardize; IT: Standardize): standards are set for the selection of necessary items, but especially for maintaining order and cleanliness.
This increases productivity and efficiency and materializes the efforts made with the first 3s.
Unambiguous locations of all items must be defined and a cleaning plan must be scheduled that includes who, when, how, and where activities will be performed.
Shitsuke (EN: Sustain; IT: Sustain): to avoid regressions, it is necessary to rigorously apply the technique over time and improve the standards created. This can be done by scheduling periodic evaluation activities, in which spaces can also be provided for sharing and rewarding the improvements made.
How to apply 5S
Implementation of the 5S follows a structured path that begins with an understanding of current working conditions and proceeds through the following steps, which can be traced using the method SPDCA.
Scan:identify the area in which to apply the technique, define work teams and team leaders, and check resource availability.
Plan:formalize activity planning through some techniques, such as that of 5W2H.
Do:deliver training, deal with possible resistance, practically apply the method by strictly following the prescribed sequence.
Check:check the progress of activities and then the level of implementation.
Act:conduct regular audits to ensure standards are met and encourage feedback for continuous improvements.
Advantages of the 5S methodology
Adoption of 5S brings numerous benefits in terms of productivity and work environment. Alcuni di questi includono:
Improved efficiency:reducing clutter and organizing the workplace reduces time wasted searching for tools or materials, increasing productivity.
Better product quality:a clean and well-organized work environment reduces the likelihood of errors or defects.
Increased safety:cleanness and organization reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
Improved staff morale:a clean and orderly environment increases worker morale and satisfaction.
Culture of problem solving:the 5S encourages constant critical thinking and problem solving among employees, facilitating an environment where continuous improvement becomes part of the corporate culture.
In conclusion, 5S represents not only a methodology of physical organization but also a cultural change. The resulting improvement can transform a company's entire operating philosophy bringing tangible results and greater customer satisfaction. Implementing the 5S means taking a proactive approach toward maintaining quality and efficiency in every aspect of daily work.
Successful cases where we applied the 5S technique
That of 5S is one of the first techniques we apply in new projects. We recently used it in Energreen.
Applying the technique with the in-house team, following staff training, we are able to eliminate unnecessary items (Seiri), optimize the organization of tools and materials (Seiton), and implement regular cleaning routines (Seiso). By standardizing practices (Seiketsu) and maintaining disciplined standards (Shitsuke), we improve the efficiency and quality of the process, also leading to increased value for the end customer.
The successful application of this technique often turns into an inspiring example for subsequent implementations in all other areas of the company.