Creating a 5S structure

5S stands for five very important S's: sort, systematize, tidy, standardize and create habit. Creating order in the workplace and making 5S work is not always complete easy. In particular, it can be difficult to maintain order over a long period of time. However, this is something that needs to be prioritized, as a good 5S structure contributes to both higher quality assurance and efficiency, but also to greater safety. Creating a 5S structure in the workplace therefore requires the involvement of everyone in the workplace in the 5S process. Clear and realistic objectives and the right conditions for developing the work are therefore of the utmost importance.

Make order and tidiness a habit

Orderliness may sound obvious to many, but it does not necessarily mean that everyone acts in accordance with the concept. 5S is more than just orderliness, as it is about creating stability and structure tailored to companies' own needs. Success requires agreeing on the level of 'order' you want to achieve. Then it is a matter of practicing what has been agreed so that it becomes a habit. Once it has become a habit, it then becomes a matter of course, which is the goal.

Engaging everyone to succeed

To create a 5S structure that extends throughout the organization, it is important to get everyone on board. A committed management team is essential, and management needs to show its commitment by setting aside time to create a 5S plan and certainly not postponing 5S meetings. This sends the right signals to the outside world and makes the work seem important. In addition, commitment is contagious to employees, which means that more enthusiasts dare to show that they are passionate about something that is important to the company. Management should also continually create space for employees to talk about the next steps for improvement, so that the 5S work doesn't get lost in the shuffle.To learn more about common pitfalls and how to build a 5S culture, read Gigant's whitepaper "How to create a 5S culture".

It is also important that everyone working in 5S has sufficient knowledge. Creating order may sound simple, but 5S is much more than that, as it is about developing a standard that everyone upholds. It is therefore important to ensure that you have a 5S expert with whom you can exchange ideas and gain knowledge. A 5S team leader should also be available to ensure that the working group really implements the 5S work in the business. Together, they form a 5S team that gradually works towards a common goal.

A well-grounded approach

To find the best possible solution, we work according to the Gigant model - a proprietary method in three steps; analysis, solution and deployment. In step one, we map the problems and needs that are most evident in your workplace. In step two, we develop the solutions that best optimize your 5S work, and in step three this is deployed and followed up.

Using the Gigant model, we ensure that you get the solution that suits you best and helps you reduce sick leave and become more profitable.