1. GEMBA WALK STAGE
After the Gemba Walk
2. BRIEF DESCRIPTION
5S is a method that helps organize the workplace (office, shop floor, design studio, innovation lab, etc.) and data to reduce the time needed to find information and perform activities, by making problems visible and eliminating them. 5S stands for:
Seiri (Sort) – Eliminate whatever is not needed by separating the needed tools, parts, materials’ data, information and instructions from the unneeded ones.
Seiton (Set in order) – Organize whatever remains by neatly arranging and identifying tools, parts, materials’ data and information for ease of use.
Seisu (Shine) – Clean the work area by conducting a cleanup campaign.
Seiketsu (Standardize) – Schedule regular cleaning and maintenance by conducting seiri, seiton and seiso, daily.
Shitsuke (Sustain) – Make 5S a way of life by forming the habit of always following the first four 5S.
3. HOW TO USE THE 5S IN THE GEMBA WALK
During the Gemba Walk, the team takes notes of any outstanding issues, hazards or inefficiencies observed at the workplaces, assigns a responsible team member to each improvement action, and records the current state. After the Gemba Walk, the responsible team uses the 5S method to Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and/or Sustain the workplace it is responsible for. This can be as simple as cleaning up oil spill at the workshop (shine), eliminating unneeded tools and parts from a workstation (sort), or as complex as creating a shadow board for storing essential tools at each workstation and standardizing them (set in order and standardize), or visually marking paths where forklifts can drive (set in order).
4. ROLES AND ACTIVITIES
Leader: Supports teams to adopt 5S as a routine, provides resources for 5S improvements. Identifies issues, hazards or inefficiencies at workplaces and appoints responsible team members to take actions
Facilitator: Provides coaching and training to leaders and employees in the 5S technique, helps identify issues, hazards or inefficiencies at workplaces, tracks actions and helps leaders and employees make 5S their daily routine
Team member: Identifies issues, hazards or inefficiencies at workplaces and carries out improvements, makes 5S a daily routine
5. EXPECTED BENEFITS FOR THE GEMBA WALK
Helps identify new problems and continuously improve
Helps achieve a major change in the workplace environment over time
Establishes an orderly, safe, clean and organized workplace
Encourages everyone to be involved
6. ORGANIZATIONS THAT HAVE IMPLEMENTED 5S
Airbus Defence and Space, Barry Callebaut, Bocar Group, CEMEX, IMC, Interface, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and Swisscom