A rather widespread and superficial vision has presented the 5S as a mere Order and Cleanliness Program.
– But how come, weren’t the 5 “S”s about separating, organizing, and cleaning?
– Yes and no…
The reality is that, behind the simple steps of the methodology, lies a much deeper and more transcendental meta-learning process whose impact is enormous, both organizationally and personally. We're referring to the development of good work practices. And this is the true objective of the methodology: to make work more effective.
Through the activities of visually separating, organizing, cleaning, and standardizing, new ways of thinking and acting are constructed, almost without our realizing it.
These changes in the way everyday tasks are performed will make it easier to successfully implement LEAN, KAIZEN, and, of course, TPM.
What is the purpose of implementing the 5 “S” during Step 0 of Autonomous Maintenance?
Definitely not just for tidying and cleaning. Although, let's face it, in most of our work environments, these activities are quite useful! There are always opportunities for improvement.
The 5 S's, as a management philosophy and practice, however, point to something deeper and more transcendental. They seek to develop in people a set of core competencies that will become the foundation upon which the TPM edifice will be built.
In summary, the skills needed are:
Develop the five senses.
So that people learn to “discover” opportunities for improvement beyond what they are able to “see.”
Develop the ability to identify problems.
To differentiate between a normal and abnormal situation. To distinguish between what's healthy and what's broken. Between correct and incorrect functioning.
Develop the habit of creating your own standards and meeting them.
To build personal and group self-esteem. For example, so that order and cleanliness are maintained over time and are not just a one-time event.
Learn to prioritize among multiple alternatives with an end in mind (improvement goals to be achieved in the 6 PQCDSM Strategies)
To know how to choose first things first.
Improve (or develop!) your reasoning ability.
Applying the Naze Naze technique (repeatedly asking yourself why) until you discover the source of the problems.
Develop the mindset of always looking for the root cause.
To avoid settling for "eternally temporary" solutions. Or, worse yet, intuitively assuming the causes.
Develop the ability to make decisions based on data (indicators) and not on opinions and/or feelings.
Because prejudices cause us to make countless mistakes in life and in business.
Develop the ability to think as a group, analyze as a group, and decide as a group.
To break down individualism and solitary protagonism, understanding that "the Messis" only exist when they have a great team behind them.
Develop the habit of continuous improvement.
Reviewing the results of each action taken to seek to do it better and better.
Learn that order and cleanliness are a concept that applies beyond the physical world, to also include interpersonal relationships.
Because it is just as important to unclog things as it is to unclog relationships.
Develop the habit, the discipline of practicing these activities so often that they become part of our very nature.
Because as Taiichi Ohno taught: To educate is to teach something unknown. To train means to repeatedly practice something you know until your body remembers it.
What should a 5S Audit include?
I'm often asked how to build an effective audit. It's about asking questions that objectively reflect whether each of these learnings are being achieved or not. If we see significant progress (i.e., advancement, we're not looking for Superman!) it means the Small Autonomous Group is ready to continue with the next stage. And the key idea here is to reflect objectively.
Yes, definitely SEIRI, SEITON, SEISO, SEIKETSU and SHITSUKE They are much more than simple activities aimed at making the work environment cleaner and more pleasant. That's the excuse to achieve true transformation.
The wonderful thing is that, when we practice them correctly, almost without realizing it, we grow as individuals and as a team.
