5S method: what it is and what it means

The 5S (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain) are a method to eliminate clutter from physical and digital workstations, assigning a fixed place to every object or file so that it can be found in under 30 seconds. The five phases follow a mandatory sequence: first you eliminate what is superfluous, then you structure, then you maintain, then you codify the system, then you turn it into a permanent habit.

Distinctive: five phases follow a mandatory sequence
Distinctive: found in under 30 seconds
Essential: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain
Essential: fixed place to every object or file
Constant: eliminate clutter
Constant: physical and digital workstations

Glossary

5S method

A method in five sequential phases for removing clutter from physical and digital workstations: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.