The Northern Echo and BKR Haines Watts have teamed up to give world-class

manufacturing advice to companies in the Tees Valley. This week Paul Bell, of BKR Haines Watts, looks at the Japanese concept of FiveS

The concept FiveS is a Japanese technique for setting up a clean, efficient workplace.

It benefits both the company and its employees, because it increases business efficiency, shortens lead times, improves workplace appearance and working conditions, and reduces the risk of accidents.

It can also generate immediate income from the sale of surplus equipment.

The first S, Seiri, means sorting out the working area so that anything that is not frequently required is cleared away, and anything which is no longer needed is sold or disposed of.

The second, Seiton, means arranging the items you do require for ease of use.

This typically involves placing the correct tools exactly where they are needed, often on a shadow-board, which gives an immediate visual cue when something is missing.

The third, Seiso, means clean up! Having cleared the area, any spillage or leak becomes immediately apparent and can be tackled at source to keep the area clean.

The fourth, Seiketsu, means repeat the first three stages. Soon everything is in its own place, from pallets to tools, and clutter is made obvious and is quickly removed.

The fifth, Shitsuke, means continue using 5S!

Top Tip: Try out 5S in the kitchen or garage at home. It makes life so much easier.

l Paul Bell is the manufacturing and business improvement manager for BKR Haines Watts, working with local companies to improve their performance and profitability. He can be contacted on Darlington (01325) 254700, or at pbell house collection, Breast Cancer wan