![Lean Briefs Logo](images/logos/briefs1.gif)
The
Newsletter of Lean Manufacturing & Factory Science
15
April 2006
www.strategosinc.com
More
About The
5S Payoff
Reader's
Comments & Experience
In
our previous Lean Briefing, I stated that the benefits of 5S were
significant but difficult to measure for a variety of reasons.
Several thoughtful readers took issue with this and some provided
results and narratives from their 5S implementations.
The
discussion has been stimulating and, it seems to me, that there is
no serious disagreement between any of the participants. I am
suggesting some joint conclusions:
-
5S
is an integral part of a larger manufacturing strategy and the total
effects cannot be measured in isolation.
-
It
IS difficult to measure SOME
of these effects directly. However,
they are often reflected, at least
partially, in other metrics.
-
Directly
measurable effects are significant and these alone
are sufficient to justify the
investment and effort.
The
reader's original comments
contained some quantitative results and interesting narratives
from actual experience. Their comments are also reflected in a new Summary
of 5S improvements.
If
you decide that the time is right for 5S in your plant, see our
article on The Basics of
Five-S and Visual Control.
We can also provide training for managers
and workers and there are 5S
Training Kits available for your own programs.
All
the best from the Strategos
team.
Quarterman
Lee
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(c)2004 Strategos, Inc.
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