6S consulting at Laurelton Diamonds Vietnam

Project report from 2016. Company information, scale, plans and results reflect the original article at that time and do not establish current status.

About Laurelton Diamonds Vietnam

Laurelton Diamonds Vietnam Co., Ltd. specialises in diamond processing and craftsmanship. The original project report describes a large production facility with modern machinery and production lines, with products exported overseas.

• Workforce reported in the original article: 1,300 people.
• Activities: diamond sawing, grinding and polishing.
• Main materials and consumables: diamonds, saw blades, abrasive powder, grinding discs, fixtures and chemicals, including acids.

In May 2016, Laurelton Diamonds Vietnam launched a project to establish and apply 6S with ITVC Global’s consulting support. The following information describes that project.

What is 6S?

6S is a practical improvement programme aimed at eliminating production waste, reducing activities that add no value, and creating a clean and orderly workplace while supporting continual improvement, safety and quality.

6S = 5S + SAFETY

• S1 — Seiri / Sort: identify and remove unnecessary items and excess quantities from the workplace.
• S2 — Seiton / Set in order: arrange items so they are ready to use safely and are not used incorrectly.
• S3 — Seiso / Shine: select cleaning methods appropriate to the equipment or item, without adversely affecting surrounding areas or product quality.
• S4 — Seiketsu / Standardise: standardise the first three practices so everyone follows them systematically.
• S5 — Shitsuke / Sustain: educate personnel, maintain the first four practices and improve them throughout the organisation’s activities.
• S6 — Safety: establish safe working practices to protect workers, equipment, machinery, products and company assets.

Benefits of 6S shown in the original diagram

• Remove unnecessary items.
• Reduce searching time.
• Use floor space effectively.
• Improve discipline.
• Help prevent equipment and machinery from rusting or deteriorating.
• Encourage teamwork and improve workplace culture.

The project had four stages:

1. Preparation.

2. Implementing 6S improvements.

3. Standardisation and monitoring

3. Standardising activities; developing 6S procedures, work instructions and reporting forms; monitoring conformance and assessing each area; communicating the programme and applying timely recognition and disciplinary arrangements.

4. Reviewing 6S activities, learning from experience and pursuing continual improvement.

The original plan scheduled completion for October 2016. This schedule does not establish the actual completion date or final project outcome.