Quality Innovations loosely follows the Japanese 5S
organization system.
The 5S system was created for work efficiency, but several of
the principals apply in the home as well as the garage.
Just ask yourself, "How can I improve efficiency, work
organization, quality, safety and housekeeping and protect my
investment at the same time?"
Based on Japanese words that
begin with ‘S’, the 5S Philosophy focuses on effective work
place organization and standardized work procedures. 5S
simplifies your work environment, reduces waste and non-value
activity while improving quality efficiency and safety.
| Sort (Seiri): the first S focuses on eliminating
unnecessary items from the workplace. Sorting is an excellent
way to free up valuable floor space and eliminate such
things as broken equipment.
Set In Order (Seiton): the second of the 5Ss focuses
on efficient and effective storage methods. You must ask yourself these questions:
- What do I need to do my job?
- Where should I locate this item?
- How many of this item do I really need?
Strategies for
effective Set In Order are: painting floors, outlining work
areas and locations, shadow boards, and modular shelving and
cabinets for needed items such as trash cans, brooms, mop
and buckets. Imagine how much time is wasted every day
looking for a broom? The broom should have a specific
location where it can be found without having to look for it. "A place for
everything and everything in its place." |
|
Shine (Seiso): Once you have eliminated the clutter and
junk that has been clogging your work area and identified and
located the necessary items, the next step is to
thoroughly clean the work area.
Standardize (Seiketsu):
Once the first three 5S’s have been implemented, you
should concentrate on standardizing best practice in your
work area.
Sustain (Shitsuke): This is by far the most difficult S to
implement and achieve. Human nature is to resist change and
more than a few organizations have found themselves with a
dirty cluttered shop a few months following their attempt to
implement 5S. The tendency is to return to the status quo and
the comfort zone of the "old way" of doing things. Sustain
focuses on defining a new status quo and standard of work
place organization. |
Once fully implemented, the 5S process decrease the amount
of time it takes you to complete daily tasks, resulting in
more free time and less stress for you!
