The 5 Ss are prerequisites for any improvement program. As waste is potential gain, so eliminating waste is a gain. 5S philosophy focuses on effective workplace organisation, simplifies work environment, and reduces waste while improving quality and safety. There is no hope for efficiency or quality improvement with dirty workplace, waste of time and scrap.

Below are the descriptions for each of the 5 Ss

• Sort out
  • daily use - shadow boards at workplace
  • weekly use - drawers
  • monthly use - cupboards/stores
• Straighten - a place for everything and everything in its place
• Sweep and shine - clean and tidy
• Standardise - checklists, schedules
• Sustain - audits and scores