The 5S System is one of the most powerful activities of lean manufacturing. The 5S philosophy focuses on simplifying the work environment, reducing waste, and improving quality and safety.

It's the natural place to start your lean effort because lean is all about eliminating nonvalue-added activities.

5S consists of these five steps:

• Sort through and sort out
• Standardize and share information
• Set in order
• Sustain the improvements made
• Shine and inspect through cleaning

Objectives

To establish basic workplace conditions and lay the groundwork for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing.

Training approach

• Classroom training
• Floor work
• Small groups
• Before and after comparisons

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