5S is a system to reduce waste and optimize productivity by maintaining an orderly workplace and providing visual cues to assemblers. The term refers to five steps—sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain—which are also known as the five pillars of a visual workplace.
“A place for everything, and everything in its place” is the mantra of 5S. Well-designed storage and workspace systems improve organization and maximize use of space. Benefits include raising quality, lowering costs, promoting safety, building customer confidence, increasing uptime, and lowering repair costs.