Japanese 5‐S practice

Abstract

States that Japanese factories and service organizations are well known for their cleanliness and orderliness. Suggests that this results from their ability to instil a sense of responsibility and discipline into their workers, particularly at plant level. Describes the Japanese 5‐S practice, the logic behind which is that organization, neatness, cleanliness, standardization and discipline at the workplace are basic requirements for producing high‐quality products and services, with little or no waste, while maintaining high levels of productivity. Aims to promote the 5‐S technique and explore the reasons why it has been widely used in Japan as the first step towards TQM in both the manufacturing and services industries. Also discusses the implementation of the 5‐S with the use of two case examples.

Citation

Ho, S.K. and Cicmil, S. (1996), "Japanese 5‐S practice", The TQM Magazine, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 45-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/09544789610107261