FT Guide to Lean

4

Lean methods and tools (part I)

This chapter discusses 5S workplace organisation in Section 1 and visual management in Section 2.

SECTION 1: 5S WORKPLACE ORGANISATION

Introduction

5S is on the surface level a housekeeping practice, a deep spring clean. Untidy and cluttered workplaces are less productive. However, the deeper aim of 5S is to develop a team member’s awareness and responsibility of normal and abnormal conditions in their immediate work area. It enables people to see problems and waste as soon as they surface and facilitates root cause problem solving. 5S creates the environment for Lean and supports many of its methods, for example standardised work depends on having equipment and tools always in the same place. 5S is, ...