FIVE "S" PROGRAM

Introduction to the Five S's

SYSTEMATIC
ORGANIZATION

Step two is to organize, arrange and identify everything in a work area for the most efficient and effective retrieval and return to its proper place.

Commonly used tools should be readily available. Storage areas, cabinets and shelves should be properly labeled. Paint floors to make it easier to spot dirt, waste materials and dropped parts and tools. Outline areas on the floor to identify work areas, storage areas, finished product areas, etc. Put shadows on tool boards, making it easy to quickly see where each tool belongs.

In an office, provide bookshelves for frequently used manuals, books and catalogs. Labels the shelves and books so that they are easy to identify and return to their proper place.

The objective in this step is: A place for everything and everything in it's place, with everything properly identified and labeled.

This means there are two important parts to Systematic Organization - putting everything in its proper place and setting up a system so that it is easy to return each item to its proper place. The second part is where good labeling and identification practices are important. Both the equipment/tools and materials you use, as well as their proper storage locations, need to be clearly identified and labeled.

Information about label and sign making equipment.

Systematic organization not only refers to individual work areas. Your overall facility should also be systematically organized, including the proper placement of easy-to-understand labels and signs. Piping, valves, control panels, major equipment, doorways, minor equipment, instruments, storage areas, offices and files should all be clearly identified.

The other Five S's: Sorting - Shine - Standardize - Sustain