5S – Industrial Lean News

Understanding 5S in the Workplace

July 7, 2020 by Mike Wilson

3 min read 5S is a very popular way that companies can improve the way that things are organized in the workplace. The goal is to improve efficiency, eliminate waste, and generally benefit the way that things are run. 5S is most commonly used in manufacturing and warehousing organizations, but it can provide real benefits in just about any industry. Understanding the concepts behind 5S will help your organization to recognize the benefits it can provide and implement …

5S Audit Checklist for the Factory

June 19, 2019 by Mike Wilson

3 min read The 5S Audit Checklist helps to assess the organization standards of the office or the factory. This audit or score is generally based on the frequency, cleanliness, knowledge skills or level, strength of housekeeping, standardization degree, tagging frequency, and system approach of the organization; it is key to sustaining your 5S efforts. The 5S Audit Checklist for Factory is quick and takes only 7 minutes for completion. Auditing Factory – Step Wise Process The primary …

What are 5S Red Tags?

January 15, 2019 by Jesse Allred

2 min read Red tags are a simple, but critical, tool used in the first step of 5S. 5S is a Lean methodology used to organize and maintain workspaces in order to improve efficiency. Like the name implies, there are steps to the 5S system beginning with the Sort phase. Cluttered tool chests and work benches result in a space that is difficult to work in and workers may have to spend extra time searching for the right …

Tools for Each S in 5S

May 29, 2018 by Jesse Allred

3 min read 5S is a Lean manufacturing tactic that focuses on the organization of work spaces and processes for a safer and more efficient facility. 5S represents the five steps in this Lean process: sorting, setting, shining, standardizing, and sustaining. More than implementing new ways of organizing or working, there are specific supplies that can help in each step of the 5S process. Seiri – Sort This is the first step of your 5S journey. Go through …

5S Supplies for Auto Shop

February 3, 2014 by Tony Ferraro

4 min read Auto repair shops are often in a perfect situation to take advantage of 5S strategies. These shops typically have a lot of different types of inventory, and perform a wide variety of different tasks each day. Since they are repairing all different makes and models of vehicle, not to mention the year, as well as fixing all sorts of things on each one, there are many places where waste can creep in. Using 5S supplies …

How LEAN and 5S Can Improve the Productivity of Your Business

January 21, 2014 by Tony Ferraro

5 min read Every business is—or should be—interested in finding ways to cut costs and increase profits while still providing a quality product for its consumers. Many components of a business are essentially beyond a company’s control, so one of the only real options for a business that wants to lower its costs is to streamline its efficiency and productivity. Two excellent practices any company can use to increase its efficiency while maintaining a quality product are known …

5S: Commit to the Process

January 9, 2014 by Kyle Kohlman

4 min read The idea of 5S attracts a lot of “window shoppers,” who at first glance, become excited with the idea that they can transform their organization into a clean, organized, well working machine. However, turning their excitement into execution, is often times a challenge they are not prepared for. For many organizations, the challenge or lack of enthusiasm begins to set in after the third S. Once they have cleaned up and organized their facility, they …

Visual Safety Begins with 5S

September 17, 2013 by Tony Ferraro

3 min read A visual workplace is one that relies on visual cues and communication to operate efficiently and safely. The benefits of visual workplaces include increased quality, productivity, safety and employee morale. Visual controls provide employees with the information they need by answering questions, identifying equipment and describing procedures. They also provide safety information. In order to use visual tools to help employees better contribute to the company, it is best to implement a system known as …

The Path to a 5S Behavior Change

August 12, 2013 by Kyle Kohlman

4 min read The Path to a 5S Behavior Change Changing the behavior in an individual is one of the most difficult tasks in our nature. The path to a 5S behavior change is no different. Our built in stubbornness has a tendency to block out even the most obvious benefits associated with a change in behavior. It effects all phases of our life from our health to our occupation. Whether you’re trying to quit smoking or implement …

Bring Lean Home

July 30, 2013 by Kyle Kohlman

4 min read Add Value to Your Life Are you a lean expert from 9-5, Monday through Friday, but come home to an empty fridge, cluttered garage and only after waiting in traffic far to long, listening to the same talk radio station day in and day out? Do you wait until you’re completely out of something to replace it, like shampoo or shaving cream? How about your yard work? Is Sunday really the day you want to …