tool originating in Japan, widely used to organize, clean and optimize work environments. Its name comes from the five Japanese senses: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu and Shitsuke .
The practice has been adopted by companies of different sizes and segments that wish to achieve maximum operational efficiency and remain competitive, innovative and creative.
In this article, you will learn about the origin, application and benefits of the 5S methodology . Enjoy your reading!
What is 5S methodology?
5S is a Japanese methodology based on five main concepts: Seiri (utilization), Seiton (organization), Seiso (cleanliness), Seiketsu (standardization) and Shitsuke (discipline). Its objective is to keep the sectors and structural levels of a company operating with maximum efficiency, organization, standardization and cleanliness.
In this way, the 5S methodology can provide a calmer work environment for features of band database employees, who, over time, become more willing, satisfied and productive.
Therefore, it can be said that both sides win: both the company and the employees.
What is the origin of the 5S method?
After the end of World War II, the 5S methodology emerged with the intention of rebuilding the country as a nation, especially due to the atomic attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and, of course, promoting economic advances.
It is no wonder that today, Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world, behind Germany, China and the United States.
At that time, Japanese industries were restructured based on improvements in quality control principles from the United States. Thus, the definition of Japanese quality, also known as Total Quality Control (TQC) , was born .
Initially, 5S was restricted to process management, with the aim of ensuring the quality of the final product, reducing waste and solving problems effectively. However, because it is an efficient and simple methodology to apply, it ended up expanding to other contexts, both corporate and individual.
Therefore, it is widely used by companies, industries, schools and even individuals looking for a disciplined routine.
What does each “S” in the 5S methodology mean?
Each “S” in the 5S methodology represents a principle within the organizational flow, with clear objectives and practical examples. Learn more below.
Seiri (use)
Using Seiri , it is possible to identify tools, institutional resources, documents, files and even office items that are no longer used and are simply taking up space. As a result, they end up generating unnecessary expenses.
Who has never kept old tax documents in drawers, machines, empty cartridges or broken equipment, right? But, based on the premise of keeping only what is useful in everyday life, Seiri 's idea is to carry out a deep cleaning , eliminating everything that is no longer useful.
Seiton (organization)
Seiton is the principle of organization . It's about putting everything in its right place. No one deserves to work in a disorganized office, right?
One tip is to organize your files, clean out your email inbox, tools and objects, and keep only the things you use most on hand. You can be sure that an organized work environment contributes to mental and behavioral health and to team productivity.
Seiso (cleaning)
Although most companies have a cleaning team, employees also have a responsibility to contribute to the maintenance of the workplace. They must also be responsible for organizing their own objects, taking care of equipment, and maintaining systems and tools for collective use.
Although it may seem like a simple concept, cleaning can be challenging in some organizational contexts. Therefore, it is worth raising awareness among teams and, if necessary, investing in training.
Seiketsu (standardization)
In Seiketsu , the procedures defined in the three previous concepts must be standardized . Good practices generate results when applied consistently on a daily basis.
For standardization to be effective, managers must create organizational charts based on the company's various processes. Over time, these practices will automatically become part of employees' routines and become a habit.
Shitsuke (self-discipline)
Shitsuke is the last stage and consists of maintaining all the practices of the 5S methodology . Its success depends directly on the commitment of employees and managers.
It is important to invest in awareness campaigns that reinforce each person's ethical and moral standards. As the benefits become visible, promoting self-discipline becomes easier.
What are the main benefits of the 5S methodology?
You may already have an idea of the benefits based on the concepts of each principle of the 5S methodology. Let us tell you: they are not limited to productivity or employee engagement — they go much further. Check it out!
- Board index
- All times are UTC
- Delete cookies
- Contact us