Lean Six Sigma and Business Process

Introduction to 5S

• Traditional Classroom: 1-day
• Virtual Instructor-led: Two 3-3.5 hour sessions; Three 2-hour sessions

5S is a workforce organization method for improved safety, efficiency, and effectiveness. It is an excellent starting point for introducing the workforce to Lean or beginning a continuous improvement journey.

The methodology originated in Japan, with five key words starting with the letter “S”:

• Sort — Removing unneeded items and making is easier to retrieve and use frequently needed items
• Set in Order — Organizing workspaces, “a place for everything and everything in its place”
• Shine — Eliminating dirt, debris, and clutter from entering the process, keeping the workplace hygienic and safe
• Standardize — Developing standard work and visual controls to drive consistency
• Sustain — Maintaining the gains

The approach engages and empowers employees to make improvements, resulting in improved safety, quality, productivity, and costs.

This course will provide an introduction to the 5S methodology and will also help the students identify a good 5S project and prepare to facilitate a 5S event. We also recommend coaching with an experienced facilitator, on-site, after the training, to help successfully execute the 5S events. It typically takes new practitioners a few cycles of learning before they are comfortable leading 5S.

Target Audience

Our Introduction to 5S training is designed to provide personnel at any level of the organization with a basic understanding of the 5S approach and best practices. Individuals who will benefit from this course would be those interested in applying Lean to streamline, standardize, and simplify their workspace.

Learning Objectives

The objective of the Introduction to 5S course is to provide participants with a foundational understanding of 5S principles and practices, from project initiation to sustainment. The course walks through the 5S process with many examples from multiple industries and challenges the students to think about how these methods could best apply in their organization.

Additionally, we will work on identifying and scoping good candidates for 5S events and developing project charters. Advance planning is essential for a successful 5S. The students will leave with a checklist and understanding of the preparation that will be needed to conduct a successful event.

Course Outline

Introduction to 5S

• Sort
• Set in Order
• Shine
• Standardize
• Sustain
• Additional Lean tools for 5S
• Virtual 5S Simulation

Team Exercises

• Project identification and scoping
• Charter development
• 5S planning checklist

Wrap-Up and Next Steps

MDV364 Course Code