Abstract:
5S is amongst the first and fundamental steps implemented by an enterprise towards the path of implementing Total Quality Management and continuous improvement at the operation level. 5S is a process designed to organize the workplace, keep it clean, maintain effective and standard conditions. It inspires the discipline required to enable each individual to achieve and maintain a world-class environment. Many enterprises have practiced the 5S and derived significant benefits from it. In particular, this technique has been widely practiced in Japan. Most Japanese 5S practitioners consider 5S useful not just for improving their physical environment, but also for improving their thinking processes too. In Japan it is also called ‘workplace management’.