Take Steps to Prevent
Backsliding - Standardize
At this point we have
ourwork areas and facilty cleaned up and organized. The next step
is to put systems in place to ensure that what has been accomplished
remains in effect. In this step we establish standardized proceedures
and practices, and make them into habits.
One of the hardest
steps is avoiding backsliding into old work habits. It's easy and
comfortable to slip back into what you've been doing for years.
Habits are hard to change. But that is also the good news. Once
new habits are established, they will tend to continue into the
future. But first, we need to change the old habits.
A good start
is to establish written standards. This will help people to both
know, and remember, what needs to be done. It helps people work
into the new habits. The word "written" is important.
Standards and proceedures should be written. This prevents people
from drifting away from the standard, and it provides the information
you need when you evauate how well you are meeting your standards.
(Performance should be evaluated on a regular basis.)
An excellent
way to make people aware of, and remind them about the standards
is to use labels, signs, posters and banners. For example, while
it is good to have a standards book, do not force people to look
up the new proceedures in a book. Use labels and signs to post schedules
and proceedures at the point where they are needed.
An example many
people are not aware of is to use a poster printer to create large
format signs, posters and banners. A poster printer is a machine
that takes an 8-1/2" x 11" original and enlarges it to
poster size. You can also create posters and banners on your computer
and print them directly on your poster printer.
Another important
aspect of establishing standards and proceedures is that as you
learn more, you must update and modify the standards to make the
process simpler and easier. Don't consider your first "draft"
to be the final draft. Use experience to modify and improve your
standards and proceedures.
What are the Five-S's?
Sorting
- Systematize - Shine
- Standardize - Sustain
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