Visual Order with 5S

One of the foundations of the visual workplace is visual order. Visual order is achieved through implementation of the 5S method. The 5S method was developed by the authors of the Toyota Production System to improve factory organization and productivity. 5S translates into the following principles:

1. Sort (Seiri) – Sort and clear the work area
2. Set In Order (Seiton) – Organize and designate locations
3. Shine (Seiso) – Cleanliness & appearance
4. Standardize (Seiketsu) – Everyone performs the same way
5. Sustain (Shitsuke) – Maintain the first four principles

For a good introductory article on 5S (and 7S) principles, see Scott Ellis' February 2004 article "Seeing is Believing" published in Paperboard Packaging. Mr. Ellis is also the author of The Visual Workplace Handbook, (Outskirts Press, 2008).