5S is a well-known method. It is used in creating, standardizing and maintaining a well-organized workplace. The 5S’s thereby refer to the five steps in the method, i.e., sort out, set in order (or: straighten), shine (or: sweep), standardize and sustain (or: self-discipline). But sometimes you see discussions about whether it should be 3S, 4S, 5S or even 6S. A post about the number of S’s and what it may tell you. (more…)
Lean is not new. Many have — in one way or another — been confronted with the Lean philosophy, its tools and its potentially significant results. Maybe you yourself as well have read a book, attended a conference, or maybe even enjoyed training. And more and more have actually started with Lean initiatives in a pilot area or even across their whole business.
In the social media and professional sites and journals as well, Lean gets more and more attention. When you read many of the cases, you get the impression that there’s quite some sorting, setting in order, shining, standardizing and sustaining going on in our workplaces nowadays. Apparently we are creating more and more clean and organized work areas and offices. But what, in fact, is the essence of all this? Why all the labels and markings on the floor? (more…)