The 5S Method
The 5S method is a systematic approach to organizing one's work environment and can be associated with Lean Management. Its goal is to minimize any form of waste — that is, non-value-adding activities — through a structured organization of the workplace. The five "S"s originally derive from the Japanese terms Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke. Translated into German they describe the steps of the 5S method: Select, Systematize, Sweep, Standardize and Self-discipline.
During the selection (Seiri) all elements that are not required for carrying out a work step are removed. By sorting out unnecessary items, more space is created for the tools and materials actually needed, which increases clarity at the workstation.
Next, the arrangement of tools, equipment and materials at the workstation is systematized (Seiton). Ergonomics, frequency of use and sequence are taken into account. Tools and their designated storage locations are labeled so that a clear assignment is visible and deviations from the target state become quickly apparent.
The cleaning (Seiso) of the workplace not only serves hygiene but should also be used as an inspection during which deviations from the desired state and defects in tools can be identified. The causes of the contamination should be examined and, if possible, reduced sustainably or ideally eliminated.
The fourth S stands for standardizing (Seiketsu) the work areas to enable employees to change workstations without an adaptation or search period and without reorientation. Standardization concerns, for example, the arrangement of tools or the uniform, cross-workstation use of labels or color codes. 5S audit forms or checklists can be created to document deviations.
The final step is characterized by self-discipline (Shitsuke), because only with self-discipline can all rules be followed and processes be systematically monitored and continuously improved without reverting to old habits.
The 5S method is not a one-off action but a long-term concept in the sense of the continuous improvement process (CIP), which must be firmly embedded in the corporate culture and integrated into employees' daily work.
