5 S's in Lean System

5S is a workplace organization method that uses a list of five Japanese words : seiri (整理), seiton (整頓), seisō (清掃), seiketsu (清潔), and shitsuke (躾). These have been translated as "Sort", "Set In order", "Shine", "Standardize" and "Sustain". The list 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.

Following are the 5 S's :
1. Sort : Seiri is sorting through all items in a location and removing all unnecessary items from the location. It increases the amount of available, useful space. It also simplifies inspection.
2. Set in order : Seiton is putting all necessary items in the optimal place for fulfilling their function in the workplace. It involves arranging all necessary items so that they can be easily selected for use. It makes it easy to find and pick up necessary items.
3. Shine : Seiso is sweeping or cleaning and inspecting the workplace, tools and machinery on a regular basis. It improves the production process efficiency and safety, reduces waste, prevents errors and defects.
4. Standardize : Seiketsu is to standardize the processes used to sort, order and clean the workplace. Establish procedures and schedules to ensure the repetition of the first three ‘S’ practices.
5. Sustain : Shitsuke or sustain the developed processes by self-discipline of the workers. Also translates as "do without being told". It ensures that the 5S approach is followed.
5S methodology has expanded from manufacturing and is now being applied to a wide variety of industries including health care, education, and government. Visual management and 5S can be particularly beneficial in health care because a frantic search for supplies to treat an in-trouble patient (a chronic problem in health care) can have dire consequences. Although this method has originated in manufacturing industry it can be applied to service industry as well.