5S implementation provides an excellent way to make continuous improvements in any organization. While traditionally done one paper, 5S audits can streamline improvements, capture more accurate data, include more detailed images and explanations and streamline improvements in way paper 5S audit checklists cannot.
Lean manufacturing involves the use of many tools to improve operational efficiency. Examples include 5S, kaizen, gemba, kanban, heijunka, and poka-yoke. While lean is often thought of as a manufacturing practice, many lessons can be applied to any business to improve results. Take for example, the practice of 5S, a foundational part of lean manufacturing because it focuses on a clean organized workspace.
5S Principles - which often takes the shape of a "5S Audit" -- assess workspaces to ensure maximum efficiency, worker safety, and unnecessary waste. An organized facility increases the likelihood that production will run smoothly. This 5S system, which began as a manufacturing method used by Toyota, focuses on putting everything in its proper place and keeping workspaces clean. The term "5S" comes from five Japanese words that represent a 5-step process for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively and safely:
- Sort (Japanese: Seiri)
- Set in Order (Japanese: Seiton)
- Shine (Japanese: Seiso)
- Standardize (Japanese: Seiketsu)
- Sustain (Japanese: Shitsuke)
An unkempt space interrupts the production process with mistakes, production lags, and, worst of all, accidents. Implementing a 5S Audit form for the workplace and conducting regular audits is one of the best solutions companies to do to improve processes, along with workplace organization and inventory waste. 5S improves the overall function of a business by making it easier for people to work efficiently and safely by eliminating waste and on-the-job injury. Companies that regularly conduct 5S Audits using a routine checklist see continuous improvement. Specific benefits of 5S Audits performed as a daily routine include:
- increased productivity
- lower costs
- improved quality control and quality assurance
- increased worker safety
- higher worker satisfaction
- measured progress.
A 5S Audit Checklist App You can Begin Using Today - For Free
Once you decide to adopt a 5S Audit checklist, there are key questions to answer. How do you plan to capture the audit data and ensure a complete assessment is done correctly? How can you share the audit checklist to important team members responsible for inventory, cleaning, equipment repair or employee safety? How can you document that unnecessary items have been reduced? How will you measure improvements over time?
The Alpha Software 5S Audit Checklist App helps companies begin a systematic approach for 5S Audits, including fast capture, sharing and reporting of the data associated with these audits. Using the 5S Audit Checklist App, companies will improve productivity, cut down on time and inventory waste, and decrease the risk of employee injuries.
Alpha software offers a host of lean manufacturing apps and free app templates. Read more about the quality management software from Alpha Software.
Comment