Lean Manufacturing 3S
The 3S describes three basic activities of lean manufacturing. SORT is to get rid of everything cluttering workplace. SWEEP is to keep it clean and tidy, and really inspect things for potential problems. STANDARDIZE is to keep your work standards current and updated; it is key to successful implementation and sustaining. Here at Stafford Gage & Tool, INC we are implementing the Lean Manufacturing 3S into our workplace. This system can be applied to every aspect of business. From the office to the shop floor, this method is valued.
Second S is to SORT
Sort means to get rid of all unnecessary items. Companies either sell them, recycle them, or throw them away. The best companies do this on an ongoing basis. Once you’ve gotten rid of all the stuff by sorting, the next relevant activity is to sweep.
Second S is to SWEEP
Some people call this shine instead of sweep. Sweep means to keep your workplace clean and tidy. It removed dirt, debris, oil, grime and anything else. The real heart of sweep is inspection. Cleaning the workplace regularly gives you an ongoing opportunity to find problems and to address the sources of mess generators in your workplace. For example, instead of vacuuming up shavings from a table saw every day, you might want to find an opportunity to install a vacuum permanently onto the table saw with an automatic turn on / shut off. That way the shavings never create a mess on the floor in the first place. Observations like this only happen when inspecting while you sweep.
Third S is to STANDARDIZE
The last activity is to standardize. Standardization comes in many formats and some depend on the nature of your business and industry. This could be a document standard, physical standard. It could be a work instruction, visual aid, form or other document. It could be a physical label, color coding system, a method or best practice, training, a set number, location, or layout of tools, or any other number of things. Did not see or understand the true value of standardization when first learning lean. Though it is incredibly important. You have to learn to rapidly standardize your incremental improvements if you are going to get anywhere with lean. If you do not standardize your improvements, they never get any traction in your organization. They have no sticking power and do not get implemented. Standardization is huge, it is a job too big for management to carry alone. It is the duty of every employee to be constantly updating the standard way to do their work.
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