One of the key concepts of Kaizen is the pursuit of operation excellence through a housekeeping technique known as the ‘five Ss’. The Kaizen Institute recommends the ‘five Ss’ are a good place for an organisation to start when introducing the concept, as it allows all employees to get involved.
5S is defined as a methodology that results in a workplace that is clean, uncluttered, safe, and well organized to help reduce waste and optimize productivity. It’s designed to help build a quality work environment, both physically and mentally. The 5S philosophy applies in any work area suited for visual control and lean production. The 5S condition of a work area is critical to employees and is the basis of customers’ first impressions.
The 5S quality tool is derived from five Japanese terms beginning with the letter “S” used to create a workplace suited for visual control and lean production. The pillars of 5S are simple to learn and important to implement:
- Seiri (整理) : To separate needed tools, parts, and instructions from unneeded materials and to remove the unneeded ones. This deals with the literal contents of the Gemba, removing any items which are excess to requirements to create a more streamlined working area.
- Seiton (整頓) : Next comes seiton, meaning to set things in order, when a system is introduced giving every item its own place, meaning the tools necessary for work are easily accessible – reducing wasted time. To neatly arrange and identify parts and tools for ease of use.
- Seiso (清掃) : To conduct a cleanup campaign. Translated to mean scrub, is the third ‘S’. The stage does not simply relate to keeping a workplace in a clean, but also taking pride in keeping things in order.
- Seiketsu (清潔) : This is the next stage, which refers to the standardization of processes throughout the workplace. “Visual management is an important aspect to facilitate easy understanding of these standards,” the Kaizen Institute explained. To conduct seiri, seiton, and seiso daily to maintain a workplace in perfect condition.
- Shitsuke (躾) : Once the first four steps have been completed, the company must then focus on shitsuki; sustaining the changes which have been made. To form the habit of always following the first four S’s.
Below, the Japanese terms are translated into the English language version of the 5S’s.
| Japanese | Translated | English | Definition |
| Seiri | organize | sort | Eliminate whatever is not needed by separating needed tools, parts, and instructions from unneeded materials. |
| Seiton | orderliness | set in order | Organize whatever remains by neatly arranging and identifying parts and tools for ease of use. |
| Seiso | cleanliness | shine | Clean the work area by conducting a cleanup campaign. |
| Seiketsu | standardize | standardize | Schedule regular cleaning and maintenance by conducting seiri, seiton, and seiso daily. |
| Shitsuke | discipline | sustain | Make 5S a way of life by forming the habit of always following the first four S’s. |
Implementation of Gemba Kaizen principles within the workplace holds numerous benefits for organisations across a range of sectors, including healthcare – an industry which is facing a growing number of pressures.