5S is in our DNA

The 5S method is a popular lean management tool that helps you organise your workspace effectively, increase productivity and improve the comfort of your daily life. As someone who has successfully applied this method both professionally and privately, I will share with you practical tips on how to quickly and effectively implement 5S principles in the office, workshop, car or even your own kitchen.

What is the 5S method?

5S is a set of five simple steps to organise space, optimise processes and keep things tidy for longer. The name comes from the Japanese words:

• Selection (Seiri)
• Systematics (Seiton)
• Cleaning (Seiso)
• Standardisation (Seiketsu)
• Self-discipline and self-improvement (Shitsuke)

Steps in the implementation of the 5s

Below you will find a detailed description of each step with practical examples to help you implement 5S quickly and effectively.

1. Selection (Seiri) - Remove unnecessary items

The first step is to select the items on the workstation or in the room in question. Ask yourself a few simple questions:

• Is every item here essential?
• Do I use it regularly?
• Don't I have some of the same things?

Remove or set aside anything that is broken, unnecessary or duplicated. This will help you reclaim space and avoid chaos. Example: In the car, I regularly check the glove box, where random pens often end up. During my weekly cleaning, I remove the excess, leaving only the essential ones.

2. Systematics (Seiton) - Every thing in its place

After selection, it is time to arrange items logically and ergonomically:

• Place the most frequently used items within easy reach.
• Label storage areas in a clear, legible way (e.g. shadow boards, labels, organisers).
• Ensure that the system is understood by all users.

Example: In my home bar, spirits are ordered by type and frequency of use: whisky at the bottom, stronger spirits above, then wines, champagnes, gin, and at the very top syrups and beers. This makes it easy to find the product you need, even when you're in a hurry before guests visit.

3. Cleaning (Seiso) - Cleanliness is key

In this phase, thoroughly clean and clear the space:

• Use appropriate tools and cleaning products (cloths, hoovers, compressed air, etc.).
• Take care of hard-to-reach and often overlooked areas.
• Bring the space into a state that will be a model for the future.

Example: I regularly vacuum not only the visible surfaces in the house, but also the less obvious ones, such as the space behind the door and car mats. This ensures that I maintain a high standard of cleanliness at all times.

4. Standardisation (Seiketsu) - Maintain order through clear rules

Maintaining order requires clear standards. To achieve this:

• Take photos of the ideal state of the space and post them in a prominent place.
• Create a cleaning schedule and assign responsibilities.
• Make sure the standards are simple, unambiguous and understood by all.

Example: In companies, it is a good idea to create a simple cleaning schedule broken down into shifts. At home, on the other hand, choose the day of the week that best suits your lifestyle. At my place, due to frequent weekend trips, cleaning takes place in the middle of the week.

5 Self-discipline and self-improvement (Shitsuke) - Key to sustainable success

The final stage is consistency and continuous improvement:

• Regularly check compliance with established standards (e.g. through 5S audits).
• Make adjustments and adapt the system to changing needs.
• Nurture habits of putting things away and keeping things in order on an ongoing basis.

Example: In my case, self-discipline means putting things back in their place every day, tidying up regularly and periodically reviewing whether the solutions adopted are still doing their job. In this way, I avoid returning to chaos and constantly improve the space around me.

Why implement the 5S method?

The 5S method is not only about tidiness in the workplace or home, but above all about greater productivity, safety and living comfort. With it:

• You save the time you previously wasted looking for items.
• You increase the efficiency of the tasks you perform.
• You create a friendly working and living environment.

Get started today!

Putting 5S into practice is easier than it may seem. Start with small steps and you will quickly see positive results. Remember that common sense, consistency and regularity are the keys to success. Ready for a change? Start implementing the 5S method today and enjoy a tidier space and greater efficiency!