5S

If you want to get a first idea of the productivity awareness of an organisation or its general work culture, walk around its premises and observe the housekeeping practices – the way the floors are swept, the work tables organised, the tools and stationery stored, the machines and equipment cleaned and maintained, personal items kept etc. These often tell more than any financial statement. They are closely linked to the flow of activities, employees’ morale, product and service quality and inventory level. An organisation with good housekeeping practices is able to control costs, foster greater safety, enhance customer satisfaction and reduce staff turnover.

Good housekeeping contributes to productivity improvement and the basis for good housekeeping is the concept popularly known as 5S:

• Seiri: to sort and throw away unnecessary items (sélectionner et jeter les objets non indispensables).
• Seiton: To arrange necessary items in a neat, proper manner so that they can be easily retrieved for use; and to return them to their proper locations after use (systématiser le rangement afin de pouvoir repérer les objets dès qu’on en a besoin).
• Seiso: To clean and inspect your workplace thoroughly so that there is no dust on the floor, machines and equipment (soigneusement nettoyer et entretenir pour que le lieu, les machines et les équipements soient propres).
• Seiketsu:To maintain a high standard of workplace organization by keeping everything clean and orderly at all times (statuer afin que la qualité et la netteté du lieu de travail soient constamment entretenues).
• Shitsuke:To make the previous four steps part of the daily routine and to observe self-discipline through continuous practice (s’auto-discipliner et former les autres à respecter les règles des 5S).

The implementation of the 5S concept is within the reach of any organisation – private or public, manufacturing or service, large, medium-sized or multinational.

The five steps to good housekeeping provide for more than a way to maintain order. They provide for a framework for performing maintenance checks and stimulating ideas improvement. They are the foundation for more responsible behaviour as they involve the responsibility and commitment of every member of the organisation, from the top management to the shop floor worker. And the ultimate goal of housekeeping activities is to reduce cost and increase productivity: an organisation which applies 5S does not pass on the cost of non-value adding activities to the customer. When 5S practices are implemented, a world-class workplace is achievable.

A team of 5S Auditiors will audit the Gemba (workplace) proposed for certication. Three audits, spread over one year, will be conducted.

The audited organisation shall keep the following relevant information:

• general background of the organisation sections or departments where 5S is applied
• photos of sections or departments before 5S
• tangible and intangible benefits gained
• documented proof: a support structure for 5S (like a formal 5S coordinator), training on 5S
• conducted and attendance sheets, standards (for colour code etc) and proof of regular 5S activities.

Following three random audits and on the basis of auditors’ report, eligibility for the 5S certification will be considered.