What Is The "Standardization" Of Lean Manufacturing 5S?

By Michael Baker

Lean Manufacturing 5S is one of the first lean initiatives you can put into place that will cost almost no money. There are already extra things lying around you can put into use to make the areas much cleaner and more organized. If you are at the "standardization" phase of this project, you have already done the sort, set, and shine steps. You area will also look good right now, and it is just a matter of keeping it up to speed. This is where the standardization of lean manufacturing 5S will come into effect.

What normally happens right about here is this. The 5S phase went well, you have new equipment, or new tools, and each has a home. Everything in the work space looks good, and you even have a few people in charge of certain areas to ensure they stay that way.

Now, management moves on to the next hot topic, and sort of forgets about this current project. I say current, because it is not complete yet. Some may think it is, but it is not. Since management has moved on, things start to slowly drift back to where they were originally. And before long, it is just the same as it was a few months ago. All that time and effort is now wasted.

The way for this not to happen is through standardization. The first step you can do for this is for a periodic review of the area. You can do this yourself, or assign different people to review and inspect the area. You would then hold the person for the area accountable. You will show everyone how important this project is if you put it this way.

Also, you can perform some more of the "set" activities if needed. Over time, you may realize better locations or different tools that do the job better. This is part of the lean initiative. So, you will still need to be flexible.

You will just need to make sure you stay on top of this. I have been through enough Kaizens and 5S's and seen enough of these end up back how they used to be to know it can and will happen. The reason for this is really weak management. And until management really steps up, and puts their foot down, nothing will be changed for the better permanently.

By initiating the "standardization" of 5S, you are sure to keep the area clean and organized. The employees will appreciate the thoroughness and completeness of the project, and will actually enjoy coming to work. Their area is not clean and they know where everything is located. This is all done with the standardization of lean manufacturing 5S.

Lean Manufacturing Secrets goes into detail about the different techniques and philosophies to implement a lean manufacturing 5S initiative.

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