What is “5s”?

5s is a system of creating and sustaining workplace organization. It is named “5S” because the method follows five Japanese words that all begin with the letter, “S.” The Japanese words and their English translations are as follows:

• Seiri (整理) Sort, removing whatever isn't necessary

• Seiton (整頓) Set in Order

• Seiso (清掃) Shine (clean and inspect)

• Seiketsu (清潔) Standardize

• Shitsuke (躾) Sustain

There are two main levels of 5S. The first is at the “work cell” or “area” level, and the second is at the “overall facility” level. 5S is tightly related to Total Productive Maintenance, as during the cleaning process one naturally must inspect equipment and areas around the equipment. This cleanliness inspection often leads to better maintenance. Additionally, a workplace that is clean and well-organized is safer and more pleasing to work in.

You may hear people refer to “6S” (not to be confused with “6 Sigma”) which is used when an organization combines “Safety” in with their “5S” efforts. We generally do not recommend this, as Safety is an important foundational element that stands on its own, and combining it into 5S runs the risk of diluting and confusing both disciplines.

To learn more about 5S, sign up for our 5S Lean Foundations Mini Course.