Definition 5 s

5S initially based on the Japanese acronyms of :

• seiri (organisation)
• seiton (neatness)
• seisō (cleaning)
• seiketsu (standardisation)
• shitsuke (discipline)

is used as a platform for developing an integrated management system by the parallel use of total productive maintenance (TPM) (Bamber et al., 2000).  Because of this foundation 5S is easily included in management practice and contributes to cost‐effectiveness by maximising both efficiency and effectiveness. When understood and developed within the context regardless of the organisations size or type, 5S can be used to engage improvement activities within many environments including: homes, schools, communities and workplaces (De Mente, 1994). The implementation of 5S can also uncover hidden problems that may have otherwise remained unnoticed. Some of the important benefits of implementing 5S are summarised as:

• Orderliness (seiri and seiton) – to maximise efficiency and effectiveness by reducing people’s workload and human errors through simplifying processes;
• Cleanliness (seiso and seiketsu) – to maximise effectiveness by contributing to a healthier life, safety and wellbeing as well as enhancing transparency; and
• Discipline (shitsuke) – through training and education to enhance the level of morale which leads to increased quality of work/life and work standards (Osada, 1991).

Information from Gapp, R., Fisher, R., & Kobayashi, K. (2008). Implementing 5S within a Japanese context: an integrated management system. Management Decisio