5S System - Simplify and Standardize

Introduction to the Five S's

To ensure that the first three steps in your Five S program continue to be effective, the fourth step is to simplify and standardize.

The good practices developed in steps 1 through 3 should be standardized and made easy to accomplish. Develop a work structure that will support the new practices and make them into habits. As you learn more, update and modify the standards to make the process simpler and easier.

One of the hardest steps is avoiding old work habits. It's easy to slip back into what you've been doing for years. That's what everyone is familiar with. It feels comfortable.

Use standards to help people work into new habits that are a part of your Five S program.

Any easy way to make people aware of, and remind them about the standards is to use labels, signs, posters and banners.

For example, use a PosterPrinter to create large format signs, posters and banners. A PosterPrinter is a machine that takes an 8-1/2" x 11" original and enlarges it to poster size. (PosterPrinter information.) You can also create posters and banners on your computer and print them directly on your PosterPrinter.

+ An inexpensive sign maker.

The other 5 s's: Sorting - Systematic Organization - Shine - Sustain