5S and Visual Management

Thomas Abraham

5S and Visual Management

The focus of 5S management is workplace organization and cleanliness.

5S allows us to easily identify waste and to see what is going on. The Cleaner a workplace, the

safer it is.

5S also attributes to quality because defects are easier to identify in a clean, organized workplace.

Each ‘S’ represents a progression in implementation. To do 5S right, you have to do

them in order.

1S- Separate and Scrap- Choose an are on the floor. Look all the items in the area. If you need it or will use it today, keep it in the area. If not, store it nearby or get rid of it (scrap it).

2S- Straighten- Once you have decided what to keep, it is time to figure out where it belongs. Put necessary items in order for easy access and label everything (a place for everything and everything in its place).

3S- Scrub- Clean everything in the work area: tools,, equipment, racks, everything in between the four walls.

4S-Standardise and Spread- It is time to determine what is the standard approach to 5S will be. Set the standard, and then repeat steps 1-3 across all areas.

5S- Systemize- Put a system in place (procedures, instructions, standards, roles and responsibilities and audits). Reward good 5S performance.5S

Def

initi

on B

ox

5S and Visual Management make problems easy to see

Cleaningis

inspection

InspectionIs

Detection

Detectionis

Correction

5S P

roce

ss F

low

Choose areaand team

Train Team in5S

Team PlacesTag in area.

Team RecordsAll atags OnLog Sheet

Team Sets actionPlans

ManagementResponse/Action inOne Week or Less

Congratulate Team

Audit Progress.

5S and Visual Management

Stack to this high(maximum 2 pallets)

Red tags distinguish between needed and unneeded items

White Lines designate pathways and in-process storage

Signboards facilitate “ a place for everything and everything in its place.”

1A place for everything and everything in its place.

2It is easy to see if things are stable and unstable.

3Production status, training, safety, kaizen, measurableBoards are visible and up to date.

4Display/signs are simple, easy to read and understand.

Good visual Management Means………..