Total Quality Managment-5s

The 5 Ss

There are five primary 5S phases: sorting, set in order, systematic cleaning, standardising, and sustaining. Also known as Sort, Straighten, Sweep, Standardise and Sustain.

Sorting

Eliminate all unnecessary tools, parts. Go through all tools, materials, and so forth in the plant and work area. so Keep only essential items and eliminate what is not required, prioritizing things per requirements and keeping them in easily-accessible places. Everything else is stored or discarded.

Straightening or Setting in Order to Flow

Arrange the work, workers, equipment, parts, and instructions in such a way that the work flows free of waste through the value added tasks with a division of labour necessary to meet demand. This is by far the most misunderstood and incorrectly applied S and has been responsible for many lean transformations failing to produce the benefits expected. When applied correctly with flow established this step eliminates the majority of the non-value-added time and allows the rest of the zero defect philosophy to be enabled. Put simply, until you have an orderly flow. you cannot have an orderly flow of problems to solve and the notion of zero defects is impossible.

Systematic Cleaning (Shine)

Clean the workspace and all equipment, and keep it clean, tidy and organized. At the end of each shift, clean the work area and be sure everything is restored to its place. This step ensures that the workstation is ready for the next user and that order is sustained.

Standardise

Ensure uniform procedures and setups throughout the operation to promote interchangeability.

Self Discipline

Ensure disciplined adherence to rules and procedures to prevent backsliding