Process Implementation Through 5S: Laying the Foundation for Lean

Process Implementation Through 5S: Laying the Foundation for Lean explains how to implement standardized work and visual controls through Plan–Do–Check–Adjust (PDCA). The author uses PDCA to outline the book and explains how 5S (Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) and Standardization are not only foundational parts of the PDCA for your Lean transformation, but are actually PDCA processes within themselves.

The book provides a road map to implement new processes. In addition, it shows how this same implementation process can be used to shore up existing processes and improve upon them. Once you walk through this process with your team, you not only will have laid the foundation for Lean in your organization, but will have laid the foundation for PDCA and for building an army of problem solvers. This transformation is what ultimately will add value to your customer base and drive the business results you are looking for.

These Lean tools are not an end to a means, but rather a means to an end. The purpose is not to implement these tools, check off the box, and then move on to the next area. Rather, they are tools designed to engage your team and help your team see problems, which you then can solve. This is the continuous improvement culture most organizations and Lean leaders seek.