Industrial Labelers Home

The Five-S System
Industrial Labeling > Five-S System > Sorting

Starting a Five-S System:

To get a Five-S System started you need to find out what you have, and determine what is necessary in each work area. This is referred to as "sorting".

Systematically go to each work area and sort through everything. Select the tools and materials that are necessary in that work area. Materials, tools, equipment and supplies that are not frequently used should be moved to a separate, common storage area. Items that are not used should be discarded.

We tend to not like to get rid of things. After all, someday we might need them. The result is clutter and disorganization. Only keep the things that are needed. Everying else should be stored in a separate locations. For example, you might have a local storage location the serves a group of work areas. Then a more remote, larger storage area for items and materials that are needed less frequently. Of course, hazardous materials may need to be stored in areas designed specifically for those hazardous materials.

Sorting is the first step in making a work area tidy. Obsolete fixtures, molds, jigs, scrap material, waste and other unused items and materials are disposed of. It makes it easier to find the things you need and frees up additional space.

Another advantage of sorting, in addition to clearing away clutter, is that you'll find, and repair or eliminate broken equipment and tools.

What are the Five S's?

Sorting - Systematize - Shine - Standardize - Sustain


Industrial Labelers Home | Industrial Labeling | School Labeling | Labelers | Site Map
Heavy Duty Label Printers
What Is On This Web SiteIndustrial Labelers Home Learn About Labeling Label Printers For School List of Industrial Label Printers