Indra’s Drishtikona (Viewpoint)

5S for Everyone

Posted : June 23, 2004 at 4:40 pm [IST]

5S is a methodology used by Japanese for improving the productivity in factories. It has been almost universally accepted. Actually, all the five word of the discipline starts with S. Each S indicates a set of activities. The 5S is equally effective in all places. It may be our house, school, shop, office or a mall.
5Ss are:

1. SEIRI means straighten up. All the unnecessary things must go. What are these unnecessary things? They may be unused machines and equipment, obsolete tools, useless papers and documents, useless utensils, or anything for that matter.
2. SEITON means put things in order. A place is fixed for everything and the thing must be placed in the same place always. Idea is to reduce the search time when you need that thing. Again, will you not be having less problem if you have a predetermined place for keeping your keys, your knife, or the screwdriver you may be requiring?
3. SEISO means clean up. The workplace, the machine, equipment, the kitchen, the bath room, the cooking stove, the TV, your reading table must always be kept clean.
4. SEIKETSU means personal cleanliness. Every member of the group, the family, the school, or of the municipality must keep themselves tidy and clean.
5. SHITSUKE means discipline. Every person of the team, family, or the establishment must follow the established procedures when they are in the place as a basic necessity for retaining or improving the reputation and efficiency.

Will you now agree that we all must understand, follow and spread this philosophy of housekeeping and cleanliness? Our nation requires this discipline badly. We can see the lack of cleanliness and order every where, may that be small and big facilities, schools, colleges, cinema halls, or nicely laid out roads. In my humble opinion, the subject of 5S ought to be introduced in schools. It will go a long way in improving India, life in India and even Indian brand.

- Indra

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