5S Methodology 5S methodology is used as a management tool that was developed in Japan by Hiroyuki Hirano.

The main function of 5S is to assist the analysis of processes running on the workplace. To maintain and ensure an effective, high quality and well organized workplace; 5S implementations provide a checklist to sustain a productive working environment. The 5S components include Sort(Seiri), Set in Order(Seiton), Shine(Seiso), Standardize(Seiketsu) and Sustain(Shitsuke). Seiri can be referred to the practice of sorting through all the tools, materials in the work area keeping only essential items everything else is stored or discarded. By sorting, the waste materials and damaged tools will be eliminated from workplace and improves the efficiency of searching and receiving things, shortens the time taken to carry out the operation. All unnecessary remainders and things should be thrown away in order to Seiton is sometimes known as straightening which is closely related to the efficiency in the workplace. This step includes the identification and positioning of every item within the workplace. The place for each item should be clearly illustrated by a label and every item should be arrange and classified in a order that could promote the efficiency of workflow. For example, the items for frequent usage should be positioned closer and easier to be found. The users should return the item used respectively to its original position. Safety concern is also to be included for the allocation of item. With correct place, position and holder for every item, everyone is able to access and retrieve quickly with the material, and thus increase the work productivity. Seiso can be understood as action of sweeping in order to maintain the shining of workplace. Systematic cleaning allows to identify and to eliminate sources of disorder and to maintain the cleanliness of workplace. The cleanliness of equipment, machine, current data and tidiness workplace can be performed through Seiso. Maintaining cleanliness should be a part of the daily duty but not an occasional activity initiated when things are getting too messy. Every area of the workplace is encouraged to be assigned by a certain group or person in order to maintain the process of cleaning continuously. Seiketsu can be referred as to maintain a high standard workplace organization by keeping everything tidy, clean and in order at all times. This fourth S is mainly concentrate on standardizing best practices to the previous 3S. Sometimes a simple daily checklist is made and displayed at the workplace to make sure that the 3S are carry out as a habit in the workplace. When the fourth S is established, it expect to have a better workplace system and visual control system. Every worker is clear and well understand on what is his responsibilities are for adhering to the previous 3S.

Example of a Safety Audit Checklist

Shitsuke has the purpose to train people to have self-discipline which practice the 5S system continuously so that it will become a habit in the culture of an organization. This fifth S is to make people to have a habit of maintaining the momentum to establish the previous 4S of the system. Self-discipline is emphasized in this 5th S to maintain and review standards. Once the previous 4S is established, it become a new way to operate and prevent a gradual decline back to the old ways. A appropriate change is make when new issues is arise. The change make should review back to the first 4S. the expected impact of this fifth S is development of team spirit, selfdiscipline and also increases the morale and awareness. Sometimes a sixth S, Safety is added into the 5S system. It is established to improve the safety of a workplace. Standard operating procedure (SOP) and a properly planned are required to minimize the accident happen in the workplace. The 5S system has a range of benefit if it is established. One of the benefits is that improved of work efficiency. Apparatus which is often used are stored in most accessible location and is always returned to where it belongs after used. This greatly reduces time of search for apparatus when it is needed. Besides, the quality of the work also can be improved. A clean, tidy and organized workplace will produce higher quality of work either directly or indirectly. Health and safety issues also a benefit when 5S is established. A clear pathway between workplace and storage ranks and standard operating procedure minimize the probability of accident happen. The established of 5S system is encouraged at any company. The adoption of 5S should be driven by goals. Employees should understand the objective behind 5S system is used and what the expected result were.