Learning to Lean

The Newsletter of EMS Consulting Group, Inc.

November, 2003 www.emsstrategies.com

The Importance of 5S

Welcome to the November edition of our monthly newsletter, Learning to Lean. This edition is dedicated to the 5 pillars of the visual workplace, most commonly known as 5S. The 5 methods of this methodology are: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. A 5S implementation creates a workplace environment with fewer defects, less waste, fewer delays, fewer injuries, and fewer breakdowns. These advantages translate to lower costs and improved quality.

For a company embarking on a lean journey, implementing 5S is an excellent way to develop the disciplines necessary for lean implementation, to make some significant improvements, and to involve employees at all levels. When executives inquired, "What kind of rationalization policy should I adopt to make sure my company survives into the 21st century?" JIT expert Hiroyuki Hirano answered, "The 5S's." (5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace, 1995) Why? Because a company that cannot successfully implement the 5S's cannot expect to effectively integrate JIT, re-engineering, or any other large-scale change.

The materials referenced in this newsletter will teach you more about the benefits of 5S. If the articles, links, and books to the left have piqued your interest and you would like to learn more, feel free to call us at 866-559-5598 or visit our website and click on "Contact Us."

In our next issue of Learning to Lean, we will be focusing on Value Stream Mapping.

Best Regards.

Darren Dolcemascolo

darrend@emsstrategies.com

David McBride

davidm@emsstrategies.com

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