“Taken at face value, a majority of organizations think the first three elements of the 5S Methodology (Sort, Set in Order and Shine) are about housekeeping,” he said. “The program is often presented to workers as if a clean workspace is an end in itself, and if maintained, value to the company will automatically follow.
“The real goal is productivity. Take tool placement, for example. Having a tool in its proper place (Set in Order) means that each time the operator reaches for it, they pick it up without any loss of time. It’s the same whether they are at Station One, Two or Three. We’re talking seconds here, but seconds or even micro-seconds saved are key to any 5S program.
“Each of the first three steps are also about making the job easier for the individual to do on a daily basis. Looking around for lost tools or tripping over misplaced parts for eight hours take a toll on the body,” Jeff said.