5S System - Sorting (Organizing)

Introduction to the Five S's

This is step 1 in a Five S program:

"Sorting" means to sort through everything in each work area. Keep only what is necessary. Materials, tools, equipment and supplies that are not frequently used should be moved to a separate, common storage area. Items that are not used should be discarded.

Don't keep things around just because they might be used, someday.

Sorting is the first step in making a work area tidy. It makes it easier to find the things you need and frees up additional space.

As a result of the sorting process you will eliminate (or repair) broken equipment and tools. Obsolete fixtures, molds, jigs, scrap material, waste and other unused items and materials are disposed of.

The other Five S's: Systematic Organization - Shine - Standardize - Sustain