Some problems you can fix today. The 5S methodA lean tool for creating an organized, standardized workplace, in five steps: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain. Click term for full definition turns small, obvious causes into Quick Wins that keep your projectA unique, temporary endeavor with a defined goal that is important, urgent or complex enough to need its own organization outside the normal line organization. Click term for full definition moving. Watch the short video, then work with the toolkit PDF: it explains the method, shows a worked example and gives you a blank template to fill in.
Tool video
The short tool video will appear here.
5S Quick Wins in short
- Pick a candidate. A cause from your Fishbone or War RoomA dedicated, highly visual space — physical or virtual — that serves as the central hub for the project team, combining data, process maps, and findings in one place. Click term for full definition you can fix now, cheaply and safely.
- Check for conflict. Make sure the fix will not block the later, data-driven solution.
- Apply one S. Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize or Sustain.
- Make it visible. Labels, shadow boards, a simple checklist.
- Document the effect. What you did, before and after, however small.
Key points
- Fast, cheap, no conflict with the final fix.
- Each S is a lens for a quick fix.
- Make it visible and document it.
- Bundle related fixes into a Kaizen BlitzA short, high-intensity event (typically 3 to 5 days) focused on rapidly improving a small, defined process area. Click term for full definition.