5S Methodology

5S is the name of a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu, and shitsuke (sort, systematize, shine, standardize and self-discipline). It describes how to organize a work space for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new order. The decision-making process usually comes from a dialogue about standardization, which builds understanding among employees of how they should do the work. 5S was developed in Japan and was identified as one of the techniques that enabled Just in Time manufacturing. Two major frameworks for understanding and applying 5S to business environments have arisen, one proposed by Osada, the other by Hirano. Although the origins of the 5S methodology are in manufacturing, it can also be applied to knowledge-economy work, with information, software, or media in the place of physical product.

1. Sort Also called SEIRI in Japanese. It means to remove unnecessary and unwanted items and keep them properly. It makes work easy by eliminating obstacles. It also provides no chance of being disturbed with unnecessary items. It prevents accumulation of unnecessary items. 2. Systematize It is called as SEITON in Japanese. Systematize means to arrange necessary and important items of daily use in order so they can be very easily picked for use. It helps prevent loss and waste of time. Helps make it easy to find and pick up necessary and important items. Ensure first-come-first-serve basis. Make work flow smooth and easy without consuming much time. Can also be translated as "set in order". 3. Shine Called as SEISO in Japanese. It means to clean your workplace or anything completely. Here cleaning means inspection. It prevents machinery and equipment deterioration. Keep workplace safe and easy to work. Can also be translated as "sweep".

4. Standardize Called as SEIKETSU in Japanese. It helps in maintaining high standard of housekeeping and workplace organization at all times. Maintain cleanliness and orderliness. 5. Self-Discipline Called as SHITSUKE in Japanese. It means doing things spontaneously without being told or ordered. Self-discipline is a good practice. Also translated as 'sustain', meaning to maintain the good practices. I applied the 5S Methodology on my book shelf cum study table. Earlier it was somewhat looking like this in the picture..

This picture shows shelf cum study table after applying 5S.

Sort Before applying 5S, my book shelf cum study table was all messed up. There were many unwanted and unnecessary things like books of last year, files, it was not kept properly. I would find difficulty in taking books as last years books were mixed up with this years BBA text book. But after applying Sort theory, it looked neat; books were kept in order, laptop got its permanent place, files were easy to pick up and I could find books easy without any obstacles. I eliminated unnecessary things. Systematize I arrange necessary and important items of daily use in order so they can be very easily picked for use so that I can access my things easily without taking much time. Books of last year were kept in first shelf and BBA books were kept up. Shine I cleaned my shelf cum study table. It was safe and looked as new. And laptop was in safe place. Things were easy to pick up. Standardize After cleaning the result was cleanliness and orderliness. Self-Discipline Usually I clean this shelf after 3 weeks. I dont like dirty things. Everyone must keep their things clean and tidy. We students must do our work before anyone tells us to do. We must be self-disciplined.