Standard Work Procedures
Standardizing work is a key component in applying a “Five S” program to a work process. Five S (5S) is a basic, fundamental, systematic approach for productivity, quality and safety improvement in all types of wood product manufacturing businesses. A good Five S program is an essential cog in the gear of any continual improvement or Lean Manufacturing program. A Five S program focuses on having visual order, organization, cleanliness and standardization. The expected results from a Five S program should be: improved profitability, efficiency, service and safety.
Five S refers to:
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Sort - the first step in making things cleaned up and organized
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Set In Order - organize, identify and arrange everything in a work area
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Shine - regular cleaning and maintenance
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Standardize - make it easy to maintain - simplify and standardize
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Sustain -maintaining what has been accomplished.
The Wood Products Extension Staff at the University of Kentucky, Department of Forestry can advise on the development of all of the 5S components; however, our assistance can be utilized best in the development of standardizing work processes. We can provide assistance from developing a standardized program to documenting the process. In order to sustain standardization, the process must be simple and written down for everyone involved to use as a guide.
For more information, contact Bobby Ammerman at 859-257-9511 ext. 256 or email bammerma@uky.edu.
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