Discover the Fascinating History and Enduring Benefits of 5S in Advanced Industries

Another throwback article to our previous blog "Is 5S misunderstood?". For the curious and the historians among us in this blog, we take a look back at the history and meaning of 5S and how it is still a pillar of advanced industries today.

The 5S methodology is a Lean Manufacturing tool developed in Japan and is often referred to as a foundation of advanced manufacturing. It has proven successful in multiple industries such as automotive, aerospace, and healthcare. The philosophy of 5S is based on five Japanese words that describe five key principles for workplace organisation and standardisation: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke.

The History of 5S

The 5S methodology was developed in Japan in the 1960s by Hiroyuki Hirano (Also developed Just in Time). It was initially used in the manufacturing industry to improve the efficiency of production lines. The term 5S comes from five Japanese words: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. These words describe the five key principles of the methodology and how they directly attack the 8 "wastes". Don't worry we translate further down!

Seiri means “Sort”

This principle focuses on removing unnecessary items from the work area. This could include tools, equipment, or materials that are not needed to complete the task at hand. Removing these items reduces the clutter in the workspace and creates a safer and more efficient working environment.

Seiton means “Set in Order”

This principle focuses on organising the remaining items in a way that makes them easily accessible. It involves assigning a specific location for each item and labelling or identifying it. This makes it easy for colleagues to find the tools they need when they need them and therefore improving productivity.

Seiso means “Shine”

This principle focuses on cleaning and maintaining the work area to keep it safe and efficient. It involves creating a cleaning schedule and assigning specific cleaning tasks to each worker. This makes defects and "out of the ordinary" stick out, and therefore easier to manage when things could otherwise start to go awry.

Seiketsu means “Standardise”

This principle focuses on creating standardised work procedures and processes. It involves documenting the new procedures and training workers on how to follow them. This ensures that everyone is working in the same way, which improves quality and reduces errors. By having everyone working the same way not only does it mean everyone is working to the best-known practice but if you need to implement a change for any reason then the results are much more consistent. For an insight into real world standardisation have a read of our article on McDonalds and how they utilise Lean Six Sigma methodology.

Shitsuke means “Sustain”

This principle focuses on maintaining the improvements made through the previous four principles. It involves creating a culture of continuous improvement and encouraging workers to identify and solve problems on an ongoing basis using their best knowledge, as they are the people with the most knowledge of their processes and are in the best position to benefit from it.

5S Today

The 5S methodology has become a cornerstone of Lean practices and is used in many industries around the world. The principles of 5S can be applied to any workplace, not just manufacturing facilities. It can be used in hospitals, schools, offices, and even at home.

Implementing the 5S methodology can improve efficiency, safety, and quality while reducing costs and waste. By removing unnecessary items from the work area, organising the remaining items, cleaning and maintaining the work area, standardising procedures and processes, and sustaining the improvements made, a workplace can become more productive and efficient. Whatever your location from Manchester to London, Sheffield to Nottingham 5S is an industry recognised transferrable tool that can revolutionsie your business by leveraging orgnaisation and efficency.

In the end...

The 5S methodology has a rich international history and has proven to be a pillar of advanced industries operational excellence programmes. By implementing the principles of 5S, any workplace can become safer, more efficient, and more productive. Consider implementing 5S principles in your workplace and see the difference they can make.

Let us know in the comments about your experience utilising 5S, has it become a part of daily work? or was it a one-off housekeeping exercise?

If you are interested in implementing 5S in your workplace or looking to certify your workforce in Lean Six Sigma best practices- speak to one of our Lean consultants about our bespoke appraoch for your business.