The Lean Assessment for Job Shops and Small Manufacturers, Plant Edition
This unique toolbook will provide your organization with a self-administering course of action that leads to necessary cost reductions required by customers.
TABLE OF CONTENTS The Lean Assessment for Job Shops and Small Manufacturers, Plant Edition
Operational Excellence
5S
5S Defined
The 5S program is a prerequisite to any other Lean improvements, and can be implemented quickly with very little cost.
"Workplace Organization," "Housekeeping," or other titles are sometimes used for 5S, but the overall purpose is the same, creating a workplace that is clearly organized, free of clutter, and sparkling clean, with tools/items/work neatly arranged. 5S is about establishing an environment in which employees are proud to work and customers are happy to visit!
Audits are performed regularly.
Current audits are posted in both the manufacturing areas and the front offices.
Facilities are well lit. Floor surfaces are highly maintained or coated to enhance appearance.
Cabinets, tool boxes, drawers are labeled, neat and organized.
Many businesses ignore the principles of 5S, because they appear to represent simple and obvious common sense. However, a formal 5S program can improve profitability, efficiency, service and safety. It does this by:
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reducing wasted time and materials
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improving daily or shift start-up times
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reducing maintenance and downtime
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improving efficiency and productivity
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improving morale
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simplifying the work environment
Assessment Guidelines
Step One: Sorting
Sorting is the first step to making a work area neat and practical. Keep only what is necessary. Move to a separate storage area materials, tools, equipment and supplies that are not used frequently. Discard items that are no longer used (obsolete fixtures, molds, jigs, scrap material, waste, etc.). Do not keep things just because they might be used some day. When in doubt, move it...
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