Step 3 – Workplace Organization

Step 3 is focused on the re-organization and visual management of the equipment, materials, parts, information and people to allow anyone entering the work area to determine its status at a glance.

What is Workplace Organization?

Workplace Organization is the powerful combination of two lean tools, 5S and Visual Management.
A 5S system is used to identify and eliminate waste that causes searching for tools, equipment, information, etc. The 5S principle is “a place for everything, and everything in its place.”
Visual controls are a series of techniques used to allow anyone to differentiate between a normal and an abnormal situation. The purpose of implementing visual controls is to manage a production process.

What are the steps in a 5S System?

A 5S system have five steps:

1. Sort– Separate necessary from unnecessary items
2. Set in Order– Identify a defined location for necessary items
3. Shine– Inspect all necessary items through cleaning
4. Standardize– Implement the best practices in all work areas
5. Sustain– Develop 5S into a daily habit

What is involved in Visual Management?

Visual controls techniques can be flashing lights with audible sounds to attract attention such can be seen at a crosswalk. They are used to stop or correct a problem as it occurs. A good example of visual management is signs, lines and color coding to show where and how to place items.

Workplace Organization Video

In this short video, Chris Turner – Lean Mfg. Coach will give a brief explanation about Workplace Organization.