Implementation of 5S in scientific equipment company

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how an age-old Japanese manufacturing concept 5S can be helpful is bringing business excellence in the scientific equipment industry. The primary point of interest in this paper is to highlight the 5S approach and also the implementation part of it. The implementation steps help to identify the potential for improvement and the existing gaps as compared to a benchmark. The study was made in each section of the selected company by conducting Gemba i.e. physical exploration in order to identify the gaps. Once the gaps and the concerned areas were identified, the implementation phase begins and the result for the same was discussed using the two case studies implemented in the industry. Subsequently, the paper discusses how the implementation of 5S leads to the reduction of wastages such as searching time, improvement of workplace safety, health, and cleanliness. Since the entire activity i.e. identification of gaps and implementation are Gemba-based, the steps are easy and deterministic in nature and the improvement is clearly visible/ measurable. It was recognized, both from the case studies and from the industry knowledge that 5S activities not only improve workplace safety, health, and cleanliness but also lead to higher quality and productivity and hence market competitiveness. The success, however, depends on the chain of command and are top-driven at least at the beginning phase.