Comments on: 5S Still Gives Companies Fits http://www.leanblog.org/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/ Mark Graban's leanblog.org - Lean Healthcare, Lean Thinking, Lean Manufacturing, Toyota Production System Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:59:58 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Rick Bohan http://www.leanblog.org/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4348 Rick Bohan Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:48:00 +0000 http://leanblog.bigbigdesign.net/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4348 Oops...sorry Jamie. I missed your byline.<br/><br/>I used to work at a steel maker back in the'80's. We always knew a "corporate tour" was coming because there would be great cleaning and painting activities within the mill...but only along the anticipated tour route. So you'd have areas that were spotless and newly painted, while, immediately around the corner, the operations still looked like a hell hole.<br/><br/>Now that's "aisle clean" at its best...or worst, as the case may be. Oops…sorry Jamie. I missed your byline.

I used to work at a steel maker back in the’80′s. We always knew a “corporate tour” was coming because there would be great cleaning and painting activities within the mill…but only along the anticipated tour route. So you’d have areas that were spotless and newly painted, while, immediately around the corner, the operations still looked like a hell hole.

Now that’s “aisle clean” at its best…or worst, as the case may be.

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]]> By: Mark Graban http://www.leanblog.org/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4347 Mark Graban Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:44:00 +0000 http://leanblog.bigbigdesign.net/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4347 Great discussion. I just wanted to point out this was Jamie's post... Not because I'd disown it, I wish it were my thoughts but Jamie has to get credit for this contribution. Great discussion. I just wanted to point out this was Jamie’s post… Not because I’d disown it, I wish it were my thoughts but Jamie has to get credit for this contribution.

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]]> By: Jamie Flinchbaugh http://www.leanblog.org/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4346 Jamie Flinchbaugh Tue, 06 Jan 2009 21:11:00 +0000 http://leanblog.bigbigdesign.net/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4346 Thank you for sharing Rick. When we thought of the term "aisle lean" is was because we noticed that throughout our clients the very best were not necessarily masters at being spic-and-span, but they got their business right. They focused on functionality. They focused on problem solving. But they didn't worry about whether they were clean for clean's sake. <br/><br/>Several companies make 5S and lean about looking good. I've even seen being "tour ready" listed at the top of reasons to do 5S. Thank you for sharing Rick. When we thought of the term “aisle lean” is was because we noticed that throughout our clients the very best were not necessarily masters at being spic-and-span, but they got their business right. They focused on functionality. They focused on problem solving. But they didn’t worry about whether they were clean for clean’s sake.

Several companies make 5S and lean about looking good. I’ve even seen being “tour ready” listed at the top of reasons to do 5S.

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]]> By: Rick Bohan http://www.leanblog.org/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4345 Rick Bohan Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:47:00 +0000 http://leanblog.bigbigdesign.net/2009/01/5s-still-gives-companies-fits/#comment-4345 Good answer, Mark.<br/><br/>I once observed an on-line discussion (back when "listserv's" were the way this got done)as to whether work instructions written in pencil would pass an ISO audit or would they have to be in ink.<br/><br/>That's how the original question struck me. "Does the company really, really have 5S or not?" The answer, as you implied is, if it's making workers jobs easier, it's good 5S. If not, it's not.<br/><br/>Most of the organizations I do 5S in are pretty dingy places to begin with and they don't end up looking like show places when we're done. But tools, supplies, and equipment are readily accessible, equipment and tooling is accessible and well maintained, inventories of supplies, materials, WIP and finished product is low but adequate and the workplace is safe.<br/><br/>BTW, I like that term "aisle clean" Good answer, Mark.

I once observed an on-line discussion (back when “listserv’s” were the way this got done)as to whether work instructions written in pencil would pass an ISO audit or would they have to be in ink.

That’s how the original question struck me. “Does the company really, really have 5S or not?” The answer, as you implied is, if it’s making workers jobs easier, it’s good 5S. If not, it’s not.

Most of the organizations I do 5S in are pretty dingy places to begin with and they don’t end up looking like show places when we’re done. But tools, supplies, and equipment are readily accessible, equipment and tooling is accessible and well maintained, inventories of supplies, materials, WIP and finished product is low but adequate and the workplace is safe.

BTW, I like that term “aisle clean”

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