Workplace Organisation - 5S / CAN DO

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An effectively organised workplace is the foundation to success. You can devote your attention and energy to serving customers without worrying about poor infrastructure and processes.

One of the most effective way to organise the working environment is known as 5S or CAN DO.

It is a technique that provides the basis of an effective, efficient, clean and safe working environment. In addition, 5S / CAN DO also enables the building of a positive work ethic that includes discipline, responsibility and working to best practice standards.

Both 5S and CAN DO stand for the same 5 step programme:

	5S		CAN DO
	Sort		Arrange
	Set		Neatness
	Shine		Clean
	Standardise		Order
	Sustain		Discipline

5S / CAN DO came from the automotive sector but is now applied in all sectors of manufacturing, service, construction and the public sector.

Sort / Arrangement – This is about sorting items in a work area and involves the determination of the frequency of every item used, identifying and marking items not used, disposing of non-essential items and eliminating sources of clutter and unwanted items.

Set / Neatness – This relates to setting items to enable easy access and that all items should be clearly marked. "A place for everything and everything in its place".

Shine / Cleanliness – This starts with simple cleaning but also shows that clean surroundings will allow the identification of any abnormalities through a visual sweep of the workplace.

Standardise / Order – This activity enables the three S's above and allows the three to become part of the daily routine at work.

Sustain / Discipline – This is about sustaining the commitment to the above four S's and laying the foundations for continuous improvement.

The importance of 5S / CAN DO is that it can form the foundation for a range of operational improvements such as: lean activities, waste reduction, 6 Sigma quality, Smart Fusion™ and environmental effectiveness and is equally applicable for factory, warehouse, construction site or office based projects.The immediate benefits can be felt both in cost reductions and increased motivation.

Find out more about 5S from our Periscope File™ tip sheet.

Greenfile Developments can help you implement a 5S / CAN DO programme best suited to your needs. Contact us to find out how your organisation can benefit from a strong foundation in all areas of your operations.