Implementing 5S Signs for Organized and Efficient Workspaces

The 5-step sign technology commonly known as 5s has the potential to reduce the chaos and inefficiency of a workplace. Irrespective of the industry or the workplace, the 5s program creates a well-organized, empowered and beneficial atmosphere for the employees as well as the common passerby. 

Firstly introduced in Japan, the 5s Sign method not only improves the productivity of a workplace’s foundation but also ensures the safety of the worksite & employees. 

Let’s know about each essential aspect of the 5s Signs Method that is – its meaning, method of implementation, benefits of installing 5s at the worksite, and tips to excel in its utilization. 

A short description of “5s Sign Methodology” -: 

Divided into 5 necessary steps, this program helps the team of any worksite in attaining their desired goal. Each step has a specific meaning and a distinct purpose is linked with it. 

• SORT – As the name signifies, this step plays a role in removing all the unnecessary stuff or clutter from the site. The absence of excess materials makes the passage clear and organized. It further improves the efficiency of employees by eliminating distractions. 
• SET IN ORDER – After keeping the unrequired equipment and material away from sight, it’s time to organize the useful things at the right location. For smooth identification, labeling the tools or materials is also a crucial part of this step. 
• SHINE – The consistent cleaning of the place is the third and important step of the 5s program. The team of the workplace needs to keep the useful things free from defects through regular cleaning and testing. 
• STANDARDIZE – The above-listed three steps can give desirable outcomes only if the managing team of the worksite complies with the rules of the fourth step – Standardizing. It includes some strict rules, guidelines and proper documentation for the hassle-free implementation of the 5s program. 
• SUSTAIN – To keep the entire procedure of optimizing a workplace by the 5s program, a workplace authority needs to make it sustainable for a long period. With the help of regular changes that add value to the workplace, the 5s Sign program can transform the position of the industry positively. 

The rigorous planning of the above-mentioned steps of the 5s program can make the employees more efficient and engaged in their destined tasks. 

A guide to make you learn, “How to implement 5s Program” at your worksite? -: 

Whether you own a business, a manufacturing unit, an industry or any other organization, these easy-to-adopt steps will lead you to the path of implementing a 5s Program. 

1. Establish an in-depth understanding of the 5s Program – 

Before introducing any new concept to the world of your business organization,  you must make everyone aware of it. Here are the key factors associated with the 5s Method, that must be introduced to every team of the organization.  

• The steps included in the entire program 
• Tools utilized for the implementation of the program
• Analysis of the atmosphere of the organization before implementing the 5s program
• Impact of the 5s program on the workplace 
• Audit criteria & scheduling 
• Review of the reports 
• The required corrective actions 

2. Educate and train the employees about each segment of the 5s program – 

An in-depth discussion regarding the 5s program with your employees is the most essential and beneficial step of the implementation process. Here are the necessary points that must be conveyed to the staff workers of your workplace. 

• 5s makes the execution of services way easier than before its implementation. 
• The team should provide thorough information about the tools, their features, use and benefits that make a workplace organized. 
• Encourage your employees to present an example of a well-organized worksite and the advantages of doing a job in such areas. 
• Utilize the visual charts to give a more realistic experience to the workers regarding the 5s program. 
• Normalize the usage of equipment belonging to the 5s program implementation to make the workers more confident about it. 

3. Manage a 5s audit with specific KPIs –

Each organization adopts a unique key performance indicator (KPI) for assessing the improvements that occur after implementing the 5s program. This step can be known as the 5s audit with KPI. 

• Creating a sheet that includes all the steps important for the organization in the 5s program. 
• During each audit, a specific performance indicator should be determined by the team. 
• After the thorough assessment, rate the performance indicator (KPI) in the range of 1-5 where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest marking. 
• Calculate the average score of each KPI. 

How does the 5s program benefit the business? 

A range of improvements can be witnessed after the implementation of the 5s program in any business, industry or organization. Take a look at the prime beneficial outcomes of this methodology. 

1. It reduces the waste from the workplace and provides the required material & equipment to each employee when they need it. 
2. The 5s program enables the workers to learn about the problems and solve them unless it is severe. With the help of cleaning (step 3 – Shine), employees can easily find mild glitches in the machinery. 
3. As the program emphasizes the placement of equipment at specific locations, it prevents severe accidents at the worksite. 
4. The well-organized passage and clear areas boost the efficiency of the deployed workers and bring a drastic positive change in overall productivity. 
5. Undoubtedly an efficient atmosphere in the workplace causes no stress to the workers even with a hectic schedule. 
6. The implementation of the 5s program does not cause too much cost to bear. 
7. Labeling the equipment with signs, stickers or paints under the application of 5s keeps the existing workers or new joiners updated. 
8. Keeping the workplace clean and organized saves a vast area of the site that can be further utilized in any other productive aspect. 

Though there are umpteen benefits of equipping the workplace with the features of the 5s program, a few shortcomings are there as well. 

1. Consistent upgradation of the workplace with signs, paint markings and cleaning etc generates a good amount of waste, excessive usage of chemicals and other supplies. This can further lead to unfavorable impacts on the employees as well as the atmosphere.
2. Frequent disposition of the pieces of machinery, equipment, tools and materials also increases the level of waste production. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – 

Q – What is the main purpose of the 5s program in the business or industrial domain? 

A – With the help of a five-step methodology (sort, store, shine, standardize and sustain), a workplace can be turned into the most efficient and productive organization.