The department specifically chosen to introduce 5S into the business has been the previously untouched “Trip-unit” assembly, test and dispatch areas.5S is a Japanese business improvement tool with many variations upon the same theme. Based upon,
- Set
- Sort
- Shine
- Standardise
- Sustain
“Set” is to clearly define the area for improvement, with an agreed work-flow allowing adequate storage and presentation of necessary materials, tools and information required to complete the pre-determined tasks.“Sort” is to remove all unnecessary materials, tools, equipment from the workplace.“Shine” is generally to clean the workplace to an agreed standard.“Standardise” is to agree how materials, tools and work instructions are to be presented and this should be repeated wherever possible at other work-stations within the business.“Sustain” is to create a system of making sure that the agreed standards are maintained, usually with the aid of visual aids and a routine daily checksheet. The team so far consists of Terry Martin and Nicky Winter. They are working extremely hard making sure of “business as usual” while still making dramatic changes to their working environment. Currently they are approximately 50% through the Sort and Shine stages and should soon be able to move onto “Standardising “the first work station.
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