The course is on 5S-The first vital step towards Operations Excellence. It has a hands on approach, conceptualises the what, why, where, and how of 5S, emphasises that 5S is to be done by all from top downwards,.and includes a tool kit for implementing 5S in the work place. The meaning of each S is made clear through examples.
5S is based on the Japanese management culture and ethos. 5S was developed in Japan after World War II as a tool to improve quality and productivity, and to make Japan competitive in the world market as exports were essential for survival of Japan.The Indian Industry started practising it much later starting from mid 90s but it took pace only in the 21st millennium.
The first 3S’s-Seiri, Seiton and Seiso-are the vital pillars, and one should practise them first, and daily so that it becomes a habit. Seiketsu follows the 3S. Shitsuke, the fifth S, is the binding thread without which the 5S system will not endure.
Western management system had always emphasised on defining locations for materials and tools, and the work flow, and to this extent 5S is similar to their approach. 5S however adds another principle that items not required should be removed or stored elsewhere (the red tag store), thereby telling the managers to consider work flow, organising and order, and layout, only after removing the unnecessary items. The course teaches that through 5S productivity, quality and safety can be enhanced, cost reduced, and delivery time reduced by identifying and eliminating or reducing efforts in doing non value adding work.