5S is a system to reduce waste and optimize productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results. It derives from the belief that, in the daily work of a company, routines that maintain organization and orderliness are essential to a smooth and efficient flow of activities. Implementation of this method "cleans up" and organizes the workplace basically in its existing configuration, and it is typically the starting point for shop-floor transformation.
The 5S pillars, Sort (Seiri), Set in Order (Seiton), Shine (Seiso), Standardize (Seiketsu), and Sustain (Shitsuke), provide a methodology for organizing, cleaning, developing, and sustaining a productive work environment. 5S encourages workers to improve the physical setting of their work and teaches them to reduce waste, unplanned downtime, and in-process inventory. A typical 5S implementation would result in significant reductions in the square footage of space needed for existing operations. It also would result in the organization of tools and materials into labeled and color-coded storage locations, as well as "kits" that contain just what is needed to perform a task.
5S provides the foundation on which other lean methods, such as TPM, cellular manufacturing, just-in-time production, and six sigma, can be introduced effectively.