What are 5S and Kaizen?

5S provides a practical foundation for quality assurance and management systems. A healthy, clean, orderly and convenient workplace helps people work comfortably and productively, while supporting a quality management system that builds customer confidence.

The five elements of 5S

• Seiri – Sort: classify and remove unnecessary items.
• Seiton – Set in Order: organize items so they are easy to find, see, use and return.
• Seiso – Shine: keep workplaces, equipment and tools clean.
• Seiketsu – Standardize: maintain the first three activities consistently.
• Shitsuke – Sustain: build habits, discipline and consistent 5S practice.

How 5S supports employees and the workplace

• Make work easier and more convenient.
• Improve productivity and quality of working life.
• Encourage responsibility, voluntary participation and self-discipline among employees.

5S developed from Japanese workplace practices. Managers organized these practices into a systematic approach to productivity and quality improvement.

Read about the 5S method