Regardless of the segment in which they operate, companies must have organization as their watchword. After all, the purpose of operations is ensure the best possible experience for your customers.
Nowadays, it's crucial that company departments execute their processes with quality and according to previously established standards. Furthermore, synergy with other business areas is equally crucial.
When we talk about logistics, the importance of organization becomes even more evident. This is because this sector is home to a multitude of materials, with a large flow of loading and unloading, as well as intense employee turnover.
In this article, you will learn about 5S, one of the main organizational methods used today. You'll also learn about the importance of the initiative and how to apply 5S in logistics. Keep reading!
What is 5S
5S was created in 1950 in Japan by Professor Kaoro Ishikawa. Initially, the methodology aimed to increase the country's economic productivity, which had been severely impacted by World War II. At that time, 5S focused on industry, through initiatives aimed at organization of equipment, materials and workers. The objective was simple: to ensure efficiency in the segment’s activities.
Over time, the initiative has been refined and is now seen in companies large and small, across a wide range of industries. Furthermore, it no longer refers solely to the physical organization of operations and is now linked to quality control and work processes as a whole.
The five senses that guide 5S are:
Seiri (Use);
Seiton (Ordination);
Seiso (Cleaning);
Seiketsu (Health and Standardization);
Shitsuke (Discipline and self-discipline).
Now that you know what it is, know that the main advantages of 5S involve having a more organized and safer work environment, with increased productivity and employee satisfaction. Using this technique also allows you to identify potential flaws and areas for improvement in processes.
How to apply 5S in logistics
Applying 5S to logistics isn't rocket science. Here's what you need to do to make this methodology a reality in your company:
1. Create a small group of employees from various departments within the company. This team of facilitators will be responsible for implementing 5S in logistics;
2. This team will work on planning improvement actions to be carried out in the sector. full report on the current logistics situation can be prepared by facilitators;
3. Meeting between facilitators and logistics staff. This is when the changes and the importance of everyone's collaboration are explained;
4. Now we've finally reached the point of implementing 5S in logistics. Ideally, a team should audit the sector every six months. The facilitators verify compliance with the methodology standards and suggest areas for improvement. Important: For ethical reasons, employees cannot audit the department in which they work.
Now that you know everything about 5S in logistics, how about reading other content on our blog? Check it out 5 tips to improve your company's cargo transportation!
