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Sequencing is important in 5S implementation.
Several progressive organisations have embarked on 5S to improve their process and product quality. While most of them have got excellent results, a few have failed to see any lasting benefits. What could be the reason?
My conversations with some of these teams indicate that they tried to implement all the 5 steps simultaneously, thereby violating the cardinal rule of sequential implementation. Let me explain.
If you are implementing 5S for the first time, it’s important to start with the first S (Seiri) of removing extra or unwanted material from the workplace Gemba. If you don’t follow this rule and start with the second S (Seiton) of rearranging the workplace (a place for everything and everything in its place), it would be a herculean task and overwhelming for the team. Similarly, if you start with the third S (Seiton), cleaning up the workplace, it will require so much extra effort.
Some teams try to see these actions as independent and start with Seiton to impress a visiting official! Don’t do it. We must follow the sequence to get full benefits from 5S implementation.