5S: supporting technique used to an easy implementation of Lean Thinking model.
It is composed by 5 phases aimed at the creation of a workplace suited for visual control and for Lean Thinking application.
It is called Five S after the Japanese words of each phase:
• "SEIRI" - organisation: means to select and divide necessary tools, materials and instructions from the unnecessary ones: the process ends up with elimination of the latter; • "SEITON" - order: means accurately deploy tools and parts after their identification. This activity makes it easier their regular use; • "SEISO" - purity: means cleaning, accurately; • "SEIKETSU" - clarity: means to execute the first three steps at pre-defined (and frequent) intervals; • "SHITSUKE" - discipline: means to build the routine of constantly performing the first four S's.
