5S Overview 151

5S

Five S. A targeted list of activities that promotes organization and efficiency within a workspace. The 5S steps are sort, set in order, sweep, standardize, and sustain.

5S plus 1

5S+1. A modification of 5S that includes a sixth step, safety. 5S plus 1, or 6S, focuses on creating safer working conditions that protect against potential hazards.

6S

Six S. A modification of 5S that includes a sixth step, safety. 6S, or 5S+1, focuses on creating safer working conditions that protect against potential hazards.

7S

Seven S. A modification of 5S that includes two additional steps, safety and spirit. 7S focuses on creating safer working conditions that protect against potential hazards, as well as maintaining a cooperative environment.

audits

A systematic evaluation that determines whether 5S steps are effective and being upheld or whether they need adjusting. 5S audits can be easily modified to meet the needs of a particular facility.

communication boards

A method of publicly displaying information about 5S implementation and improvement in the workplace. The communication board should be posted in a central, highly visible location.

continuous improvement

A lean manufacturing concept that describes an ongoing effort to make products, services, or processes better. Continuous improvement identifies opportunities for improvement, takes action to achieve improvement, analyzes the results, and implements workable solutions.

Five S

5S. A targeted list of activities that promotes organization and efficiency within a workspace. The Five S steps are sort, set in order, sweep, standardize, and sustain.

floor plans

A two-dimensional drawing that depicts the arrangement of the workplace. Floor plans before and after rearranging materials are often used to track 5S improvements.

Gemba walk

The act of work leaders walking through a facility and observing work practices on the ground floor. Gemba walks allow management to understand how an operation works and to see what might need improving when implementing a 5S plan.

Kaizen

A method of continuous improvement that requires everyone in the company to seek and eliminate waste and error. Kaizen is a Japanese word that means “change for the better.”

lockout/tagout

A method of protecting employees from accidental machine startup. Lockout/tagout includes proper locking and labeling of machines that are hazardous to nearby employees.

personal protective equipment

PPE. An article of clothing or safeguarding device that workers use to prevent injury in the workplace. Personal protective equipment includes safety glasses, insulated gloves, face masks, and earplugs.

red tag

A method of 5S sorting that attaches red tags to items that are identified as unnecessary. Red tagged items should be removed from the work area.

safety

The step in 6S and 7S that identifies, documents, and removes potential safety hazards from a workspace. Safety is the sixth step in the 6S and 7S approach.

set in order

The step in 5S that involves organizing the workplace to ensure easy access and optimal efficiency. Set in order, also known as straightening, is the second step in the 5S approach.

Seven S

7S. A modification of 5S that includes two additional steps, safety and spirit. Seven S focuses on creating safer working conditions that protect against potential hazards, as well as maintaining a cooperative environment.

shadow board

A device that contains outlines of designated tools to show where they should be stored. Shadow boards are used in the set in order phase of 5S to organize tools and materials.

Six S

6S. A modification of 5S that includes a sixth step, safety. Six S, or 5S+1, focuses on creating safer working conditions that protect against potential hazards.

sort

The step in 5S that involves separating unnecessary materials from required materials in the workplace to eliminate clutter and create additional space. Sort is the first step in the 5S approach.

spaghetti chart

A tool that tracks the movement of an employee throughout the work area. Spaghetti charts are helpful in identifying areas of wasted movement.

spirit

The step in 7S that engages employees at all levels to promote cooperation and teamwork. Spirit is the seventh step in the 6S and 7S approach.

standardize

The step in 5S that involves documenting and implementing methods to maintain a clean, safe, and organized workspace. Standardize is the fourth step in the 5S approach.

status board

A method of tracking 5S improvement and communicating it to employees. Status boards often contain before and after photos or details about current and future projects.

straightening

The step in 5S that involves organizing the workplace to ensure easy access and optimal efficiency. Straightening is commonly referred to as set in order.

sustain

The step in 5S that involves implementing programs and procedures to ensure the Five S steps continue to occur over time. Sustain is the fifth step in the 5S approach.

sweep

The step in 5S that involves cleaning and inspecting all areas of the work environment. Sweep is the third step in the 5S approach.

waste

Any element of the manufacturing process that does not add value to a product. The goal of lean manufacturing is to eliminate waste.