5S - how to organise and keep an efficient workplace

The five "S" comes from five Japanese words, all starting on letter "S". It is a structured way of clearing away unnecessary things and organising the rest in an efficient way.

In short:

1. Define (and document) the working area. Mark it.

2. Clear away all unneeded things

3. Clean and maybe refurbish the area.

4. Organise the needed tools, instructions etc according to the processes or common tasks. Clear marking makes it easier to find and put back again. Consider FIFO, work in progress status, rejected material status, risk of mixing up similar parts or equipment.

5. Document the new situation

6. Define how to maintain this status by scheduled cleaning, inspection and improvement reviews