Japanese 5S Tactic
The Japanese 5S tactic is an approach first introduced by Toyota to eliminate unnecessary waste and inefficiency, leading to effective results in workplace organization. Originally designed for production, it has since been recognized as applicable to individuals' lives and has even become part of the educational curriculum in Japan today.
What is the Japanese 5S Tactic, and How is it Applied?
The Japanese 5S tactic is named after the initials of five Japanese words: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke, which translate to sorting, order, cleanliness, standardization, and discipline. It was designed to encompass methodologies such as JIT (Just in Time) and Jidoka to reduce waste and increase efficiency in post-war Japanese manufacturing.
Initially kept as a secret and applied exclusively by its creators, this tactic gained global recognition after Japan's economic boom in the 1980s, and foreign companies began adopting it.
So, what are the steps that make up this tactic? Let's delve into some detail:
1. Sorting: Gather only the materials required for production. This helps identify what is necessary and what is not, ensuring that unnecessary items are removed from the production area.
2. Order: Ensure all items are organized, with each having a designated place. Arrange all remaining items logically in the workplace to make it easier for employees to complete their tasks. This often involves precautions, such as placing items in ergonomic positions to minimize unnecessary movements.
3. Cleanliness: Maintain proactive efforts to keep workplace areas clean and tidy, ensuring purposeful work. This includes cleaning and maintaining the newly organized workspace, such as mopping, dusting, or maintaining machinery, tools, and other equipment.
4. Standardization: Establish a set of standards for both corporate organization and processes. Essentially, this is where the first three S's are codified into rules for how and when tasks should be accomplished. These standards may also include mnemonic tools such as charts, lists, and plans.
5. Discipline: Discipline, the final component of the Japanese 5S tactic, is not just part of the approach but also a way of life. Continuously applying the practices you have introduced so far ensures that new employees quickly adapt to the system.
Benefits of the 5S System
The Japanese 5S tactic has become an integral part of lean production. This approach not only contributes to establishing high standards in the workplace but also supports employee creativity. Working in a simple, well-maintained, sustainable, and disciplined environment with established standards boosts employee motivation and job satisfaction.
Although applying the Japanese 5S tactic can sometimes be challenging, the best part is that it can be implemented gradually, step by step.
For example, if you are not ready to reduce the materials used in production immediately, you can move on to the next step and continue the process without interruption.
The Japanese 5S tactic is inherently designed to bring order and efficiency to your business. Unlike when the approach first emerged, it is now possible to integrate computer technologies into the process. Please contact us for detailed information on how to incorporate the robust infrastructure brought by technology into all the processes you implement in your business.
