From the Japanese word Seiton we get the next step in the 5S System, straighten. Now that you have completed the first step sort, the workspace should be free from clutter and unnecessary items.
Key parts of the straighten step include:
- Everything has a place and everything goes in its place
- Limits are set on the about of work in progress and parts kept in the workspace
- Improve the workflow to reduce waste and improve efficiency
- Work to be done, parts and supplies needed should be near the workspace
- All areas of the work place should be sectioned off and clearly labeled
- All storage areas should be clearly labeled or marked off
- An electronic version map or log that can be printed and distributed or posted should indicate the location of everything for easy reference
- Straighten is about improving organization, workflow, productivity and morale
The first thing you want to do is ensure that everything has a designated place. Have you ever needed a part of tool and spent a lot of time looking for it, or were even unable to find it? The straighten step if followed will eliminate that waste.
Only a limited amount of work in progress should be in the workspace. Do not stack it around the workspace. It gets in the way and can be a hazard. If the designated storage area for work to be done is too far away, move it closer. If needed create small staging areas close to the workspace to store small amount of work to be done. It reduces the waste of time going back and forth to retrieve work to be done.
Next look at the workspace itself and the employees as they work. Are movements wasted because parts or tools are out of reach or too far away from the worker? If a worker has to move or turn around to get a part, is there a way to store the part in front of the worker? Does the worker have to walk some distance to obtain regularly used parts or supplies? If so keep a small amount at the workspace that is replenished at the end of each day. Wasted movement is lost productivity.
All areas should be broken down into sections and clearly labeled. Each aisle of a warehouse should have a sign or flag visible indicating what aisle it is such as A-1, A-2, etc. Each wall should be labeled every set number of feet such as wall section B-1, B-2, etc.
Use your organizational log book to indicate where a particular item is located. For instance log that “blue widgets” are located in Aisle 1, Section 3 or A-3. The aisle where blue widgets are stored should be clearly labeled as Aisle 1 and the section clearly labeled as Section 3.
In the location that the blue widgets are stored you should have a large label with a description of the part, a part number and a bar code for that part number. You can even include a bar code label for the location “A-3″. This will assist you in taking inventory of parts. When you inventory you scan the location bar code, and then the part number bar code, then enter the quantity stored there.
To ensure everything has a place you should label, paint, tape off or otherwise mark where everything should go. For example paint lines and label the floor where a pallet of work to be done is located. Outline the location of a tool on a peg board so you know where it goes and it will be clear if it is missing.
If a pallet for scrap cardboard is located on the floor at wall section B-3. The wall should be labeled “B-3″. The location of the pallet should be outlined on the floor and labeled “Scrap Cardboard”. Everything should be outlined or labeled which will make it clear what goes where and what is out of place.
The straighten step is about organization and workflow. Everything should have a place and everything should be kept in its place. A printed and electronic version of the log book will show the location of everything. All parts, work to be done, pallets, drums, even the fire extinguishers should be logged. If the location of everything is clearly marked off it is obvious when something is missing. When a worker needs a part or tool they will know exactly where to go to find it and where to put it back when they are done.
Done properly the straighten step can improve productivity, eliminate waste and improve morale by knowing where items are and reducing wasted movement to do the work. Now that the sort and straighten steps have been completed it is time to move to the shine step.
 |
The 5S Pocket Guide by James Peterson, Roland SmithRead more about this book… |
 |
5S Implementation Manual: Starting Lean Manufacturing by Catherine Parrill, Bob RosinskiRead more about this book… |
Tweet This Post 
Delicious 
Digg This Post 
Facebook 
Stumble This Post
Related posts:
Comments