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Many Japanese organizations practice a method of cleaning and organization called "4S." Some American companies have adopted this practice, added a fifth "S" and simply call it 5S.

What is 5S?
Five S represents a strategy to develop and maintain a working environment that is clean and organized. Such an environment almost guarantees a better working environment for workers, a more organized system for tools and equipment, and a safer work environment.

Now let's explore what the the five Ss stand for.

Sort
This demands that any item that is not bolted down to the shop floor or welded to one of our trucks be identified. It means that each item is identified and clearly tagged. The tag can be small and attached by string, small chain, or affixed like a sticker.

The information on the tag clearly states what the item is, what its part number is, and even what the purpose for the item is. It is also very helpful if the tag states where the item is to be kept when not in use. Often the tags on items are a color easy to spot.

Set in Order
This suggests that once items are tagged that they are then segregated into a predetermined area where the items can be easily kept and found. Setting tagged items in order is no different than purchasing a "shadow box" for hand tools such as screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, etc.