How do Japanese companies improve their productivities? The main answer is definitely through technological improvements. But there are something also which imparts a lot in their high productive industries, that is the way they maintain their workplace, known as 5S - a way of well maintained work place invented by none other then the citizens of Nippon.

5S is a concept which collaborates 5 activities, each starts with the English letter 'S' and very powerfully denotes the work place behaviour in any Japanese company. Many companies in the world have adopted and practices 5S and undoubtedly they do perform better. Boeing, HP, Boise Cascade, Tecumseh are some of the well know companies who practice 5S philosophy. Statistics show that 5S improved their productivity and performance in many ways and put them ahead of their competitors. It is not always the technical edge that makes companies shine, it is these subtle practices and disciplines that make the difference.

The 5S are five Japanese words: SEIRI, SEITON, SEISO, SEIKETSU and SHITSUKE.

SEIRI: This is organizing things that you require and disposing off things that you do not need any more. Seiri means tidiness, organization. Seiri refers to the practice of sorting through all the tools, materials, etc., in the work area and keeping only essential items. Everything else is stored or discarded. This leads to fewer hazards and less clutter to interfere with productive work.

SEITON: Once things are sorted they should be kept in designated places to retrieve later for use. This is called Seiton, which means storing the things choosen as required, in a dedicated place. Seiton mean orderliness. Focuses on the need for an orderly workplace. Tools, equipment, and materials must be systematically arranged for the easiest and most efficient access. There must be a place for everything, and everything must be in its place. The standard in industry is you should find a tool/material within 20 seconds or less, to be productive. Search a tool / material for hours, and you are gone, and will loose your vital time in work.

SEISO: This means cleanliness. At the end of your shift clean the machineries, tools for future usage. Seiso indicates the need to keep the workplace clean as well as neat. Cleaning in Japanese companies is a daily activity. At the end of each shift, the work area is cleaned up and everything is restored to its place.

SEIKETSU: This means following a prticular standard. This allows for control and consistency. Basic housekeeping standards apply everywhere in the facility. Everyone knows exactly what his or her responsibilities are. House keeping duties are part of regular work routines. 10-15 minutes before and after the work shift, dedicated for only 5S, as an industry standard.

SHITSUKE: This refers to workplace discipline. Shisuke means sustaining discipline. This refers to maintaining standards and keeping the facility in safe and efficient order day after day, year after year. This is most important in the sense that whatever we learnt in earlier 4 S's should be practiced in true spirit throughout the year. This should become a discipline it its own way.