So, you know the basic concept of the 5S approach as well as its steps (‘sort’, ‘set in order’, ‘shine’, ‘standardize’, and ‘sustain’). Now you’ve got questions! Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that have come up while carrying out a 5S initiative:
1. My company doesn’t have a vision of 5S. Can I still apply 5S to my work area?
– Yes, you can! Just focus on improving your work area using the 5S principles. For instance, this could include your working desk or workstation. Additionally, you can improve your surroundings using the 5S principles. However, you need to educate and engage your neighbours for this!
2. I don’t have time to implement 5S. What should I do?
– There’s no ‘right time’ to carry out 5S. Most importantly, you should follow the 5S principles throughout all working hours during the day. For example, you should dispose of things back to their respective places. However, you must first identify where they belong and label them accordingly. In addition to this, you should strive to clean your workstation before starting your day’s work and before you leave for the day. Above all, remember that 5S is a way of life rather than just a tool or technique.
3. Can I start a 5S initiative in my work area even though my company isn’t following it?
– There are 2 ways I can answer this question on 5S. Firstly, let us consider you are the manager and you wish you carry it out in your entire department. Then yes, you can do so considering that you have the adequate authority to carry out the 5S initiative.
However, if you are an individual, it is better to restrict the application of 5S to your work area only. If the 5S initiative is not aligned with the company’s goals and objectives, little to no recognition comes your way. Hence, as an individual, focus on internal rewards. A transformed workplace brings peace and joy to the mind. This in itself is a big reward.
4. Where do I get all the necessary 5S supplies (such as red tapes, yellow tapes, etc.)?
– Google your 5S supplies! Do some research, and you should be able to figure it out.
5. We have carried out 5S in our workplace, but it never remains consistent. What do we do?
– Lack of 5S doesn’t stop the work! Consequently, people tend to discontinue a 5S initiative. However, it is important to realize that 5S is a way of life.
To begin with, it is essential to fix a 5S goal. For instance, a goal could be to ensure that a minimum of 4/5 is required to be scored in a 5S audit! Following this, align it with the department or individual’s appraisals. This is crucial because if there are no strings attached, a 5S initiative seldom works. 5S needs to be made compulsory rather than treated as an option! If following 5S principles isn’t linked to an individual’s performance evaluation, it is an uphill task to sustain it. Having said that, please review if satisfactory and accurate training regarding the achievement of 5S principles is given to everyone in their workplaces. If you find gaps, address them before you link them to performance appraisals.
There are various other Lean tools, other than this 5S approach, which further contributes to the optimized efficiency of an organization!