Synerflex Consulting

Can we apply 5S (one of the Lean concept) in our daily life? Sure, we can.

In this first week of New Year, it is the best time to reorganize our work, stuffs and life to get ready for this brand new year. One of the most useful concept that helps me organize myself is utilizing the Lean 5S methodology. Since I am teaching and coaching corporates implementing 5S in their workplace, I also use the same principles to help me to be efficient and effective as well. A lot of people would think that 5S is purely a housekeeping program for the factory. This is totally untrue because besides using that myself, I have help clients implementing in offices, warehouses, etc. You can even use the same principle to organize your fridge if you want.

Now, let’s get down to work.

Number 1S is Seiri (Japanese term) which means Sorting. The first S is to segregate the things that you want and don’t want. Find an area such as your work desk, fridge, kitchen or cabinets. Take a look and list down all the things in the area that you have chosen. Now the first S principle is to sort all these things out. But, before you can sort them, you need to set a standard. Normally, I set my standards by the frequency of usage of my things. So, I can categorize all my things for example on my work desk to 4 categories such as

• Use minimally once per week
• Use minimally once per quarter
• Rarely use
• No use anymore

Of course, you can set your own categories. So now that you have your standard, you can go through all your things (leave no stone unturned ) and categorize them accordingly.

Number 2S – Seiton or “Set to Order” is all about organizing. Basic idea of this principle is to have a place for everything and everything in its place. Another key consideration is to keep the things that we use frequently within our reach and those less frequent items somewhere further.

Third S – Seiso or “Shine” is to get rid of the items that we no longer want or need. It is about cleaning our workplace or desk or kitchen or which ever area till it “shines”. This is a simple principle that will help us free up more space and also make our work place unclutter. A lot of time we use our precious space for unwanted things.

The last two S of the Lean 5S principle is to put in place rules and regulations or process to continue to maintain the place that we have just reorganize using the first 3S and continue to do that until it becomes a habit.

Even though the 5S principle is so simple and if you really just practice it, it will definitely help you by reducing the non-value added time you spent searching for things. Keep your things in good shape and fresh (for Fridge items). If you have any ideas on how to apply 5S in your life, do share with us your ideas or experience by clicking the “comment bubble” below.

Start practicing it now and enjoy your improvement.

Filed under:
Continuous Improvement, Lean Management by Andrew Cheah