Page 283 - Six Sigma Demystified

Part 3 s i x s i g m a to o l s 263

When to Use

Improve Stage
• To reduce non-value-added cycle times owing to movement, search time,
and ineffective use of floor space
• To improve inventory management

• To reduce accidents and improve working conditions

Methodology

Measure a particular workstation’s level of 5S achievements using a rating sys-
tem such as that shown below for each of the 5S criteria.

Sort
Level 1: Needed and unneeded items mixed
Level 2: Needed and unneeded items identified; unneeded items removed
Level 3: Work area clean; sources of spills removed
Level 4: Documented housekeeping assignments and schedules
Level 5: Mess prevention implemented

Straighten
Level 1: Items randomly placed
Level 2: Needed items safely stored and organized according to frequency
of use
Level 3: Locations for items labeled Level 4: Needed items minimized and
arranged for retrieval

Level 5: Needed items can be retrieved in 30 seconds with minimal steps.

Shine
Level 1: Key items not identified
Level 2: Key items identified; acceptable levels documented
Level 3: Visual controls established
Level 4: Inspection, cleaning, and restocking on daily basis
Level 5: Potential problems identified; countermeasures defined

Standardize
Level 1: Work methods not followed or documented
Level 2: Documented agreements for needed items, organization, and
controls