Workplace learning: the 5‐S way

The rationale behind the 5‐S practice is that organization, neatness, cleanliness, standardization and discipline at the workplace are basic requirements for producing high quality products and services, with little or no waste, while maintaining high levels of productivity. It has been recognized that Japanese factories and service organizations are clean and orderly. The same is true for good quality Western firms. Aims to review the 5‐S technique and explore the reasons why it has been widely used in Japan as the foundation towards TQM in both the manufacturing and services industries. Also discusses the implementation of the 5‐S using a proprietary 5‐S Audit Worksheet, followed by an implementation plan based on the author’s experience.