5S : The Strong Fondations of Lean Manufacturing

To say that the 5S approach is the foundation of Lean Manufacturing is to clarify the two following points:

The following pages will provide you with some answers....

1. Primary features of Lean Manufacturing

To plan and create a better, quicker and less expensive way of producing sustainable products (respectful of the environment) that meet the needs of clients, staff, and shareholders of companies is the main goal of Lean Manufacturing.

For this purpose, it is necessary to use all resources as best as possible, including those within the company, especially such resources as:

It’s the proper use of these resources that provides a generating system with a concept for progress and tools that will allow for a defined direction for this purpose.

The abandonment of existing concepts and the consideration of how to make changes as opposed to explaining what cannot be done are commonly accepted characteristics known as Continuing Improvement or Kaizen.

A systematic research on the elimination of waste is an applied concept for this way of thinking.

7 types of situations where loss usually occurs concerning goods and services are found in the following areas:

The Total Productive Maintenance, analysis and simplification of products and information activities, prompt reference change, the Kanban system, suggestions from staff members and the 5S approach are among the tools to be used for the elimination of wasted efforts and loss in the workplace.

2. The 5S Approach as the Foundation for the process

In this set of tools, the 5S approach occupies a privileged place for the four following reasons:

• The 5S approach is simple to understand and initiate.
• The 5S approach concerns everyone (we all have a place in the work environment).
• The 5S approach is an efficient means for changing habits and acquiring a new frame of mind.
• The 5S approach has a direct effect on all wasteful activities and operations by improving quality, costs and lead times.

• Designating and defining zones on the floor will limit inventories and reduce the risk of accidents.
• Arranging items that are used the most in an area that is closer to the workstation will reduce time lost in looking for them.
• Detecting problems concerning cleaning inspections for mechanical devices will decrease a number of breakdowns and micro-stops.
• Having clearly defined procedures will reduce the number of rejects and modifications.
• ...