The 5S system of workplace organisation - part of our commitment to training

We employ the 5S system of workplace organisation at Westin Drives, as part of a commitment to continuous improvement and training. Designed to improve productivity, safety and quality, it enables teams to organise the workplace in the safest and most efficient way.

Its ultimate purpose is to increase customer satisfaction. The system takes its name from five Japanese words: Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Shitsuke.

Translated into action, they mean:

• Seiri Sort: Eliminate obstacles. Sort items needed and not needed in the area.
• Seiton Straighten​: Arrange items to be ready for use. Identify locations for all items so they are easy to return after use. Make workflow smooth.
• Seiso Shine: Clean the workplace and equipment regularly to maintain standards and safety and identify defects.
• Seiketsu Standardise: Maintain high organisational standards.
• Shitsuke Sustain: Keep to the rules and carry out regular audits to continue to improve through self-discipline.

 
The benefits of 5S are:

• Improved workflow, quality, productivity and safety.
• Improved customer satisfaction.
• Reduced costs.
• Improved self-discipline.
• Improved teamwork, organisation, enthusiasm and cleanliness.

 
As an added benefit, there is a supplementary sixth S, Safety, which is monitored by an audit process similar to the Sustain function.

---