Creating Custom 5S Posters

5s is a system for improving quality, productivity, employee job satisfaction, customer satisfaction and profits, and at the same time reducing waste, through systematic cleaning and organizing. It was originally developed by Toyota after World War II as a part of their lean manufacturing system. It is called "5s" because it involves five steps, each of which is named using a Japanese word that starts with the letter "s".

One of the more difficult parts of implementing a 5s system is changing employee habits. It is human nature to prefer what is familiar and comfortable. Learning a new way of doing things can be difficult, even when everyone involved has good intentions.

A good tool to help employees change their habits are 5s posters, signs and banners. They can be used to remind employees about new procedures and standards, as well as reminding them about the overall purpose of 5s and the benefits that 5s will bring. The best way to use posters, signs and banners is to make them using text and graphics that relate specifically to your organization; your 5s plan; and to each work location. This can be done using a machine called a poster printer.

A poster printer is a wide format printer that connects to your PC and can be used just like any other printer--except this printer has a poster-size output. Varitronics is one of the better known manufacturers of poster printers. With a poster printer you can design whatever posters, signs and banners you need on your PC and then quickly print them. You get information and graphics that are specific for your company, and you don't need to wait while an outside vendor prints and ships your posters. A poster printer, such as the Varitronics machines, is so fast and economical that you print posters that may only be used for a couple of days.