Creating a 5S structure

Are you having trouble creating a good structure in your industrial workplace? Try the proven 5S method for better and safer operations.

5S stands for five very important S's: Sort, Systematize, Clean, Standardize, and Create a habit. 

Creating order and tidiness in the workplace and implementing effective 5S work is not always complete . Above all, it can be difficult to maintain order over a longer period of time. However, this is something that must be prioritized, as a good 5S structure contributes to higher quality assurance and efficiency, as well as greater safety. To create a 5S structure in the workplace, it is therefore necessary to get everyone in the workplace involved in the 5S work. Clear and realistic goals and the right conditions for developing the work are therefore of the utmost importance.

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.

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.

• Sort
  What: Clear away anything that is not necessary.
  Why: Reduces searching, frees up space, and reduces the risk of damage.
• Systematize
  What: Everything that remains should have its place.
  Why: More efficient work, better ergonomics, and easier cleaning.
• Clean
  What: Agree on standards and routines for cleaning.
  Why: Increased well-being, easier to detect deviations.
• Standardize
  What: Create common procedures.
  Why: Everyone knows what is expected and how order is maintained.
• Create a habit
  What: Self-discipline and long-term thinking.
  Why: Ensures that 5S becomes part of everyday life.

To find the best possible solution, we work according to the Gigant model – a proprietary three-step method consisting of analysis, solution, and implementation. 

In step one, we identify the most pressing problems and needs in your workplace. In step two, we develop the solutions that best optimize your 5S work, and in step three, this is implemented 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.