5S Sustain

How To Keep The 5S Momentum

Sustainment is usually the most difficult part of 5S. The attitudes and activities must be institutionalized and repeated until the become part of the culture and the fabric of everyday work.

The table below summarizes eight common tools that help with sustainment. A combination of several or all of these tools is usually necessary.

This cannot be outsourced or solved with software. Management, top management, must reinforce it constantly with time, attention and repetition.

5S

Code of Conduct Example

If you open it, close it.
If you turn it on, turn it off.
If you unlock it, lock it.
If you move it, put it back.
If you borrow it, return it.
If you use it, take care of it.
If it belongs to someone else, ask permission.
If you make a mess, clean it up.

Eight Tools To Sustain 5S
1	Code of Conduct	A document that spells out the standards of behavior expected of all employees with respect to 5S.
2	5S Corner	A small area where people on the work teams can obtain supplies, information and assistance for their efforts. Usually operated by the 5S Coordinator.
3	5S Checklist	A list of specific items to check regularly within each area. This list is agreed upon by each work team.
4	5S Patrol	A small, rotating team of associates from each area who inspect each area and advise the work teams/
5	Steering Committee	Volunteers from each area meet to determine the overall direction of the effort.
6	Visual Coordinator	The coordinator provides support, advice, training and coordinates activities.
7	Management Champion	An executive with high standing and credibility who has the responsibility for supporting the program.
8	Management Watch	A regularly scheduled event where the Management Champion tours areas under 5S improvement. The purpose is to reinforce behavior through encouragement and ensure that resources are available.

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Strategos-International: North America - Europe - Australia

SEP 2007