Applying 5S Management Approach to Organizations - Case Study Example

 Applying 5S to Organizations Abstract This paper attempts to find solutions to problems that most organizations face while trying to operate safely and efficiently in order to produce quality products and services. The 5S model provides the best approach through which such organization can ensure high quality while maintaining safety in all lines of operations. Owing to the growing concern over the best ways in which organizations can run lean operations, this paper explores the topic exhaustively by reviewing peer-reviewed papers that are directly related to the topic. In essence, this paper discusses and comments on the relevant applications of 5S to modern organization through although scrutiny of individual components of 5S namely ‘Sort,’ ‘Set in order,’ ‘Standardize,’ and ‘Shine.’ These pillars are important in all organizations in order to minimize waste, enhance efficiency, and improve on quality. The journals will provide insight into the pillars of 5S, how the concept applies to organizations and businesses in order to achieve these objectives. Introduction According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (2015), the concept of 5S aims at achieving leanness in organizations, factories and the corporate world. It involves taking a number of measures and engaging in certain activities in order to enhance efficiency and increase productivity within organizations. In addition, the 5S propagates the philosophy of waste reduction in organization. This second aspect is critical considering the raging debate on global warming. It means that the 5S concept promises a better industrial revolution going forward. Although the 5S concept can apply to all sectors, it fits well in organizations, particularly organizations that are involved in manufacturing and processing. Perhaps some of the advantages of 5S that have attracted investors and organization to adopt it are its low investment cost and ease of use as opposed to other methods for ensuring efficiency. Although the concept has spread and it has been adopted by organizations all over the world, it is worth noting that the concept is a Japanese invention. Through 5S, organizations can cut down on the amounts of wastes that they produce. It is only by ensuring that the workplace is orderly that corporate managers can ensure high productivity is attained and maintained. In this regard, the 5S philosophy ensures consistency in the outcomes of operations. Sorting entails the organizing of all the important components within an organization by discarding the irrelevant ones while keeping the needed materials safely. When it comes to setting in order, it is worth mentioning that orderliness is important in all organizations and workplaces. In order to accomplish orderliness, organizations can design a safe way of keeping records and other property for easy retrieval in future, especially when they are essential or sensitive materials (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). The other two pillars of the 5S of organization include ‘shine’ and ‘standardize.’ To shine is to uphold cleanliness in an organization through cleaning all the equipment and facilities that facilitate production. When an organization conducts ‘shining,’ it ensures safety because the workers will minimize the chances of getting accidents that could risk their lives. In addition, shinning can attract more investors and retain existing customer, particularly if the organization is involved in the production and sale of essential commodities. On the other hand, to ‘standardize’ means to put up measures in place that will ensure that the other pillars of the 5S are upheld and consistent with the organization policies (United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2015). Discussion of the Reviewed Paper’s Contents According to Ablanedo-Rosas, Alidaee, Moreno, and Urbina (2010), the dynamic nature of global market requires organizations to adapt by producing products and services that are more efficient in terms of quality and cost. Since organizations strive to remain competitive, they only need to employ the 5S in order to achieve their objectives more easily. The authors reiterate that 5S is a potent quality tool that organizations can use to maximize productivity and profits by minimizing unnecessary costs and wastages. In addition, the 5S paves the way for other quality tools to function seamlessly. Other methods that ensure continuous improvement of quality will heavily depend on how an organization uses 5S.The 5S essentially ensures that an organization customizes its products and services to meet the growing market needs while maintaining efficiency. An empirical study on the efficacy of 5S was conducted on given Mexican companies. The companies were to give their responses concerning empirical relationships, ongoing challenges, and experience with implementation of 5S. The results revealed that the workforce and top management achieved success in the adoption and implementation of 5S. Moreover, the research showed that organizations should consider 5S especially if it enhances communication channels, organization strategic objectives, and quality system of the organization. In essence, the Mexican companies achieved success in the implementation of 5S in comparison to other quality tools that exist (Ablanedo-Rosas, Alidaee, Moreno, & Urbina (2010). When it comes to workplace safety, Grover (2012) conducted a commendable research, especially because he tied efficiency to quality in the workplace. He assumes that most manufacturing companies have massively adopted the 5S as a step towards continuous leaner production. The author essentially outlines the importance of 5S as far as total quality management (TQM), cellular manufacturing, and just-in-time production (JIT) are concerned. All these factors enhance the condition of the workplace because of the 5S. It means that the 5S is not only important in ensuring safety of the workers, but it also guarantees leaner and quality production. The author explores the five pillars that a visual workplace should have in order to guarantee safety and quality. One can tell from the author’s perspective that the 5S is a productive quality tool that all organizations should use, especially the manufacturing companies that take safety and occupational health more seriously. In an effort to establish whether the 5S is a simply a useful tool or a strategy for improving business, Kobayashi Fisher & Gapp (2008) assessed how the United States, United Kingdom and japan are applying the 5S concept in various sectors of the economy. Considering the fact that this is an under-researched area, the authors conducted an exploratory study in order to establish how the 5S, which is a Japanese philosophy, enhance business in the three countries. The results indicated that japan, which pioneered the concept, heavily relies on the concept for business consummation both at home and in the workplace. On the other hand, the UK and the US use the 5S at the workplace only. The implication of the study is that the 5S can be a way of life, as is the case with japan, or it can also be a tool for solving management issues, as is the case with the United Kingdom and the United States. Conclusion The 5S is indeed an essential quality and management tool that organizations can exploit to optimize productivity and increase efficiency. It is so since the concept ensures business success through reduction of wastage and increase in productivity (Ablanedo-Rosas, Alidaee, Moreno, & Urbina, 2010). In addition, Grover (2012) state that organizations that have invested in and implemented the 5S concept confirm that it reduces costs significantly. By sorting, setting in order, shinning, and standardizing, organizations can also enhance safety of the workers, who in turn will be motivated enough to guarantee quality of products and services produced by the organization. While some countries like the UK and the US use the 5S concept as a workplace quality tool, Japan has internalized the philosophy in homes too. It means that the concept can apply everywhere ranging from homes, schools, hospitals, and in government agencies. Overall, the 5S concept is relevant in the contemporary corporate world that faces a number of challenges ranging from global warming pressures to depletion of resources (Kobayashi, Fisher, & Gapp, 2008). References Ablanedo-Rosas, J. H., Alidaee, B., Moreno, J. C., & Urbina, J. (2010). Quality improvement supported by the 5S, an empirical case study of Mexican organizations. International Journal of Production Research, 48(23), 7063-7087. doi: 10.1080/00207540903382865 Grover, J. (2012). 5S Workplaces: When Safety and Lean Meet. EHS Today, 5(6), 47-49. Kobayashi, K., Fisher, R., & Gapp, R. (2008). Business improvement strategy or useful tool? Analysis of the application of the 5S concept in Japan, the UK, and the US. Total Quality Management & Business Excellence, 19(3), 245-262. doi: 10.1080/14783360701600704 United States Environmental Protection Agency (2015). Lean Thinking and Methods. Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/lean/environment/methods/fives.htm Read More