The goal of 5S is to create a work
environment that is clean and well-organized. It consists of five elements:
- Sort (eliminate anything that is not truly needed in the work area)
- Set in Order (organize the remaining items)
- Shine (clean and inspect the work area)
- Standardize (create standards for performing the above three activities)
- Sustain (ensure the standards are regularly applied)
It should be reasonably intuitive
how 5S creates a foundation for well-running equipment. For example, in a clean
and well-organized work environment, tools and parts are much easier to find,
and it is much easier to spot emerging issues such as fluid leaks, material
spills, metal shavings from unexpected wear, hairline cracks in mechanisms, etc.