The 5S

The 5S is a system that is based on a Japanese practice, which is to improve the environment in the workplace, and indirectly increase the quality and effectiveness of the final product. This is achieved by means of the 5'S which are the ones that Justo (sf ) mentions:

• Seiri = classification and disposal
• Seiton = organization
• Seiso = Cleaning
• Seiketsu = hygiene and visualization
• Shitsuke = discipline and commitment

1.    Classification and Disposal: separate collection of things by priority, in the first place so often used, which are placed in locations accessible to all, and the others that are not often use are evaluated to see if they are necessary, if they were they will stored it, if they do not needed it, it can be discarded, recycled or sold.

2.    Organization: things are in specific places, which were previously assigned, this allows the operator to quickly find them and return them to their place of form almost immediately. This process encourages the worker to reach all utensils and do not waste time and energy looking for them throughout the campus. For this to work everyone must know the names and places where materials are required.

3.    Cleaning: Each person is assigned an area of ​​the area where he works and the worker must be responsible for the cleanliness of its perimeter. Should perform a thorough cleaning before and after any is work done.

4.    Hygiene and Visualization: keeping cleanliness in the work area in order to be effective in the service provided, to ensure that the environment is clean is easier to detect errors or problems that are occurring in the process. At this stage you must ensure that the first 3 steps are being carried out effectively. A technique used to ensure this is visual management; this is a series of people performing periodic inspections to detect business areas needing improvement.

5.    Commitment and Discipline: employees must have the desire to do things well and properly, they have self motivation to do their job and following the steps mentioned above. Sometimes you need to campaign to raise awareness and encourage people to perform these steps.

Benefits:

• The 5 steps are performed routinely.
• This routine is based on teamwork and how committed employees are to carry it out.
• Standing order is generated in the work area, facilitating mobility throughout the space and improves the image of the company.
• The order enables greater productivity, which reduces repair costs, damages, accidents and facilitates the detection of flaws in the process.

An example of the 5s:

In the video they explain the methodology of 5s, you will see how they apply  it in an office where the disorder has take place.

Bibliography:

   Justo Rosas (s.f). Las 5´S herramientas básicas de mejora de la calidad de vida [nota especial]. Recuperado de:http://www.paritarios.cl/especial_las_5s.htm