5S Lean Training

If you're new to the concept of 5S, you've probably feel confused. This article aims at providing clarity and setting you on the path toward understanding.

Put simply, 5S is a system of visual management aimed at helping companies get organized and stay that way. Roughly translated from the Japanese terms that form the basic tenets of this foundational Lean manufacturing method, the 5 S's stand for: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain.

What is 5S?

These 5 S's are the primary pillars of a workplace efficiency philosophy. 5S programs are the foundational Lean manufacturing methods because 5S must be present in a facility before it can implement other Lean concepts like Six Sigma, Toyota Production System, or Kaizen. The reason for this is simple: since Kaizen and the other concepts require that you have a basic system of organization in place, and 5S establishes that system. Furthermore, 5S teaches companies how to implement change companywide, and how to set standards and take actions that ensure that system stays in place indefinitely.

5S is a concept that promotes employee involvement and productivity by utilizing organizational and strategic measures in order to improve quality, all while attempting to reduce unnecessary time and manufacturing wastes. Like all Lean concepts, 5S works to actively combat the 7 Wastes of Manufacturing: Defects, Waiting, Motion, inventory, Overproduction, Overprocessing, Transportation.

5S and Lean Resources

If you aren't familiar with 5S or Lean manufacturing in general, we offer many resources to assist your search. Initially, you might consider reading our informational material on 5S, Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Kanban, Poka Yoke, DMAIC,. We also have many other free online manufacturing training guides and web content aimed to help you get on the path of getting your business Lean. Our Lean Resource Center is filled to the brim with articles, informational guides, and PowerPoints aimed at educating you and your team on all matters involving Lean. Our resources give you the information needed to create your own training programs and get your team implementing 5S, Kaizen, and more.

5S Program Implementation

If the implementation of a 5S program is in your company's near-future, we have more in-depth instructional guides, as well as educational online courses, professionally-produced training videos, books for purchase.

Like with starting anything new, to get Lean, you'll need some new gear. As leading safety and efficiency experts, Creative Safety Supply has you covered. We offer top-notch 5S-related products like red tags, tool foam, shadow boards, tool organizers, and more. We have pre-printed or custom posters and banners, thermal label printers and sign makers, floor marking tapes and adhesive-backed specialty shapes, tool shadow boards, organizational tool foam, storage bins, as well as ergonomic mats and furniture to decrease fatigue and improve employee productivity.

Starting something new doesn't have to be overwhelming - let Creative Safety Supply help.