5S is a system for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely. A key component of Lean Manufacturing, 5S helps eliminate wasted time, movement and inventory, leading to more efficient operations. The term 5S comes from five Japanese words with corresponding English translations:
- Seiri (Sort) – Distinguishing between necessary and unnecessary processes and materials, and removing what is not needed
- Seiton (Straighten) – Ensuring that all items are organized and in a designated place
- Seiso (Shine) – Keeping the workplace and equipment clean and orderly
- Seiketsu (Standardize) – Creating standard processes for organization and cleanliness of the workspace
- Shitsuke (Sustain) – Sustaining the new processes and conducting audits to maintain adherence.
This free 5S Audit template helps evaluate the current state of your 5S initiative by evaluating and scoring key indicators in each of the five components of 5S. Each audit is automatically scored so that progress can be measured over time.
