5S Seiton - Neatness Pay Off

Step two in 5S is seiton. This Japanese word means orderliness or neatness. In English the "S" words typically used are "systematize" or "set in order".

The goal of seiton is to organize, arrange and identify everything in a work area, and facility, so that it can be efficiently retrieved, used and returned to its proper place. This includes everything that is used in the work area, including tools, parts, drawings, instruments and documentation.

Locate and design storage areas based on the function of the item being stored. In other words, the objective isn’t just to store everything neatly in random locations, the objective is to store things in a way and location that makes getting the job done easier.

Each item should have a clearly designated storage location. Storage areas, cabinets and shelves should be properly labeled. For example, outline areas on the floor to identify work areas, movement lanes, storage areas, finished product areas, etc. Put shadows on tool boards, making it easy to quickly see where each tool belongs.

5S is also applicable to offices. For example, provide bookshelves for frequently used manuals, books and catalogs. Label the shelves and books so they are easy to identify and return to their proper place.

Once everything has a storage location it is important to set up a system that makes it easy to return each item to its proper place. This is where good labeling and identification practices are important. The items to be stored, as well as their storage locations, need to be clearly identified and labeled.

Labeling, naming and color coding should be standardized throughout your facility. Labels and signs should be clear, and easy-to-read from the normal distance they are viewed. If labels need to be changed regularly, use repositionable, magnetic-backed or static cling label materials.

(Information about label and sign making equipment. )

Analyze how things are used and based on your analysis establish “put-away” rules. Understanding how, and the frequency at which an item is picked up and used, is the basis of the put-away rule for that item. For example, a tool that is used 60 times per shift needs to have a close storage location that is easy to access. Otherwise the tool will not be put away properly and may be difficult to find the next time it is needed.

Make it easy to match an item with it’s storage location with the minimum amount of effort. Also be sure to make each storage location appropriate for the item. For example, delicate instruments may require storage with foam padding. For some tools you may need to provide appropriate temporary storage areas. For example, a gauge that is used frequently during a portion of a process may require a padded area on which it can be laid between uses.

Keep safety and ergonomics in mind. There should not be any sharp edges or points that can result in injury. Minimize the amount of bending and reaching that is required. Don’t store items in locations that might cause someone to reach out and lose their balance.

I’ve been talking about individual work areas, but seiton also applies to your entire facility. Include the proper signs and labels, that can be read from the appropriate distance, throughout your facility. Pipes, values, instruments, conduit, control panels, doorways, equipment, storage areas, and offices should all be clearly marked and identified.

Free online Pipe Marking Tutorial