Maintenance. The concept of maintenance in the workplace. When did it come to be? According to sources, after World War II, Toyota wanted to reduce the losses made in the workplace. Moreover, he wanted to create a logical order in the workplace. Hence, he developed the principles for creating logic and structure to maintain any workplace. Later, the West adopted the concept, which gave it the name 5S.
Let’s Get To The Basics; What Is 5S?
Generally, the 5S is a set of principles that intend to put the work properly. These tenets tend to involve everyone in eliminating the unneeded materials while putting everything properly.
Another goal is to standardize the workplace upkeep practices, which translates to following the international standardized rules and regulations similar to those for the production of efficacy and accuracy. Take thread gage calibration, for example. The maintenance of the equipment falls under oneS, which ensures the efficacy of outcomes in a variety of different fields of construction.
What Does 5S Stand For?
The 5S stands for the following practices.
- Seiri, which translates to Sort.
- Seiton, which translates to Set in order.
- Seiso, which translates to Shine.
- Seiketsu, which translates to Standardize.
- Finally, Shitsuke, which translates to Sustain.
What are the objectives of 5S?
The absolute goal of 5S is to ensure that the workplace is operating in an orderly and logical manner. Anything deemed unnecessary or has no use in the industry will be cut off. The items essential to the workplace’s functionality will be put or kept in their rightful places.
Moreover, the workplace needs to be kept tidy and clear of debris to uplift morale and the generation of smooth operation. In addition to this, it is also designed specifically to be executed routinely. So, in short, the creator’s goal was to the harbor and generate continuous improvement across fields.
Benefits Of The 5S Program:
- Lowered upfront cost:
The implementation of the 5S will yield a low upfront cost compared to the implementation of any lean practices. If only special equipment is needed, and the learning curve doesn’t typically require any technical training, then cutting back on the upfront cost with this practice will become easier. The main costs of 5S are the investment of time for training and implementation, along with some minor supplies. Take the markings, labels, etc., as examples.
- Improved working environment:
One of the primary benefits of implementing 5S is that it can create an environment where work can be done efficiently. Less time will be spent trying to find the right tools for executing different tasks as everything will be labeled. Moreover, the area will be clean and kept orderly, which will yield only effective outcomes.
Ending note:
The implementation of the 5S would ensure a safer workplace where working will be fun and easy. Moreover, the standardized procedure will ensure that each piece of equipment is prepared and maintained rightly to yield nothing but perfection. With 5S, one can reach the zenith of success.