Most of the companies today begin their lean improvement by implementing 5S, which is the Japanese methodology of minimizing errors. It is a good way for these companies to get familiar with continuous improvement cycles by involving workers to organize and improve the workplace conditions. The following article highlights the benefits of 5S process implementation for various growing organizations.

5S is a valued member of the lean tool kit. It literally stands for 5 individual s-words, namely sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain.Successful implementation of 5S process functions to remove unnecessary items, cleaning of the space, reorganization, procedure development and better discipline.

Implementing 5S lean manufacturing training has a number of other benefits, these include:

1. Increased Productivity
Every organization works towards achieving increased productivity, after all, productivity increases the overall return on investment. According to global research done by various consultancy firms in the US, it has been found that effective implementation of 5S lean manufacturing resources provides this improvement.

The compete removal of unnecessary items along with efficient workplace maximization is sufficient to help develop improved productivity with minimal wastage of time. Less time spent searching through unnecessary items means more time spent working.

2. Improved Safety
Improved safety is yet another benefit of 5S implementation. A clean workplace environment, especially in a manufacturing unit can result in significant reduction in the number of injuries sustained by workers. Most often, unattended chemical spills increases the chances of slips and falls.

Contrary to this, following methodical procedures of cleaning, limits the possibility of all such unfortunate mishaps. Also, the reduction in unnecessary travel through the workspace environment further minimizes the risk of sustaining injuries by limiting exposure to hazardous substances elsewhere in the facility. This in return functions to increase the moral of employees, as reduced incidents of injuries convey employer’s concern for worker safety.

3. Reduction in Waste
Implementing 5S will also yield a fair reduction in lost and damaged items in the workplace.

A clear and organized workplace with proper labeling provides workers the flexibility to replace damaged items in the designated places, thereby minimizing the total number of misplaced and lost tools and equipment. Further, the appropriate management of equipment also minimizes damages that are generally caused to various parts of the products during the production process.

4. Worker Commitment
Achieving worker commitment is one of the major goals of implementing 5S lean manufacturing training.

This is because the workers would be largely responsible for using it on the ground. 5S emphasizes on worker participation by streamlining their work and allowing them to provide inputs to make productive changes in the overall design of the workplace and also to carry out its maintenance tasks.

This encourages worker involvement for long-term workplace sustainability which in turn enhances their commitment towards work. This improvement also provides ancillary benefits of lower absenteeism in the workplace.