We recently had an exciting event at our factory – 5S/6S training aimed at making our workdays safer, more efficient, and better organized. The training brought positive emotions and fresh knowledge, which we immediately put into practice. All of this helps us deliver even better service to our customers. 😊
Why Choose 5S/6S?
Because our factory deserves the best! Production safety and efficiency are crucial for us, which is why we invited an expert to help improve workplace safety, simplify tool management, and enhance team spirit.
5S and 6S are workplace organization methods originating from Japan, designed to improve workspace efficiency and safety. The 5S method consists of five steps:
- Sort (Seiri): Remove all unnecessary items.
- Set in order (Seiton): Arrange necessary items for easy access.
- Shine (Seiso): Keep the workspace clean.
- Standardize (Seiketsu): Establish clear rules and procedures.
- Sustain (Shitsuke): Consistently follow the established practices.
6S adds a sixth element – Safety, emphasizing workplace safety. Additionally, we touched on the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement and the Just-In-Time (JIT) approach, which reduces production waste.
During training, we discovered that we had already successfully implemented some 5S principles, and our factory wasn’t entirely chaotic to begin with. Still, we noticed items on some workbenches whose presence or need for organization we hadn’t previously considered. For example, certain tools were placed illogically, slowing down our processes. We quickly created a “quarantine box” for unnecessary items, ensuring essentials are always within reach. 🛠️📦
Training Exceeded Expectations
Despite initial skepticism, especially among our more experienced employees, the training quickly gained everyone’s approval. Tanel said: “It provided an excellent foundation for systematic thinking in the factory, and for me, it was one of the best training sessions I’ve ever attended.” Kuno, our most experienced team member, added: “I was initially cautious, but the training offered many new insights. I’d certainly recommend it to others.”
Special praise went to our trainer, Raul, whose professional and engaging style effectively involved the whole team. As a token of our appreciation, Raul received a Limitless G28-series hoodie! 👕✨
Positive Changes Already Visible! 🎯
Thanks to the training, our factory is already a better place:
- The workspace is clean and organized – a pleasure to see!
- No more “hide-and-seek” games when searching for tools and materials.
- Team efficiency and motivation have significantly improved.
Trainer: Raul Varrak and Lean Digital
Our partner was Lean Digital, whose professional trainer Raul Varrak brought new insights to our team. Besides 5S and 6S training, Lean Digital offers process optimization, digitalization, and various training programs to enhance company efficiency and competitiveness. More information can be found at their website: www.leandigital.eu.
What’s Next? 📈
We aim to achieve ISO9001 certification soon, and the knowledge gained from our 5S/6S training provides a solid foundation. We have integrated regular 5S/6S audits into our work processes and review progress in our weekly factory stand-ups. Regular inspections ensure the achieved order and safety are maintained.
The knowledge and good habits we’ve acquired won’t just sit gathering dust. If we managed it, you can too! 💪🙂
