From Elsmar Cove Quality Assurance and Business Standards Wiki
Five S (aka 5S) is a structured program to systematically achieve total organization, cleanliness, and standardization in the workplace. A well-organized workplace results in a safer, more efficient, and more productive operation. It is said to boost the morale of the workers, promoting a sense of pride in their work and ownership of their responsibilities.
Definition
"5S" was invented in Japan, and stands for five (5) Japanese words that start with the letter 'S': Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, and Shitsuke. An equivalent set of five 'S' words in English have likewise been adopted by many, to preserve the "5S" acronym in English usage. These are: Sort, Set (in place), Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Some purists do not agree with these English word 'equivalents'. They argue that these words have lost the essence of the original 5 Japanese words.
Links to Forum Discussion Threads
5S (Five S) - Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke
5s of Offices - Do you think it applies to every office?
Links to External Web Pages
5S on Wikipedia
