1S - Seiri (Sorting)
This is the 1st step of implementing 5S at your work place. It is a Japanese word, the meaning is Sort.. that means removing unwanted things from your work place. So that you will know what is required for your work place.
In the world of manufacturing and workplace management, efficiency, organization, and safety are paramount. One of the methodologies that have gained widespread recognition for achieving these objectives is the 5S methodology. So we are starting the 1st step in 5S, that is Sort (Seiri in Japanese )
It s often considered the foundation upon which the rest of the methodology builds.
First we should know the Purpose of Sorting
The "Sort" step in the 5S methodology serves as the initial, crucial stage of the process. It is all about identifying and segregating essential items from the non-essential ones. In essence, it involves decluttering the workplace, ensuring that only necessary items are retained, and unnecessary items are removed. This step serves as the linchpin of efficient workplace organization
The "Red Tag Area" - A Key Component of "Sort":
As we dissect the "Sort" step, it is imperative to explore one of its core components, the "Red Tag Area." This concept augments the effectiveness of "Sort" by providing a structured approach to handling items that may fall into a gray area of necessity. In essence, the Red Tag Area is a designated space within the workplace where items that are not immediately required but still have potential value or ambiguity regarding their utility are temporarily placed. It is a pivotal component of the "Sort" process, facilitating the critical evaluation and decision-making related to these items.
The Red Tag Process:
To fully grasp the "Sort" step and its integration with the Red Tag Area, it is vital to comprehend the Red Tag Process:
Identification of Unnecessary Items: Employees within the workplace initiate the "Sort" process by identifying items in their workspace that are not essential for their daily tasks. This could range from tools and equipment to materials and supplies.
Red Tag Labeling: To clearly mark these items as candidates for removal or reevaluation, red tags are attached to them. The use of red tags provides a visual indicator that an item has been subjected to scrutiny.
Transfer to the Red Tag Area: The items that have been tagged are then physically moved to the Red Tag Area. This transition is a pivotal step as it separates these items from the immediate work environment.
Red Tag Register : After Transferring the unwanted items to Red Tag Area, need to write in Register called Red Tag Register, which will contains the information about the item Red tagged. Like, Name of the Item, Qty, Material Specification, price, from Dept, etc., It will helpful for the review process.
Review and Decision-Making: An important aspect of the Red Tag Process is the review stage. After a predefined period, which is often a set number of days or weeks, a comprehensive review of the tagged items is conducted. This review involves a collective assessment by relevant stakeholders, including employees, supervisors, and management. During the review the decision shall be taken on each of the items in Red tag area.
Decision Outcomes: The review process culminates in decisions regarding the tagged items. These decisions typically fall into several categories:
Permanent Removal: Items that are deemed entirely unnecessary and provide no value are permanently removed from the workplace. This step contributes to decluttering the workspace and creating more efficient, safer surroundings.
Relocation: In some cases, items may have value but are not required in the immediate work area. Such items may be relocated to a more suitable storage location, ensuring they are readily accessible when needed. For example, for some project specific requirement, we may buy some machines. once the project is over , we will move that machine to Red Tag area. These kind of items can be relocated
Retention: If it is determined that certain items still hold relevance and are essential, they are retained in the workplace, provided they are organized and stored properly.
Quarantine Area:
this is also similar to Red tag Area. But once you decided to move the item from Red tag area, but it is valuable item, and it may required in future, you can move it to quarantine area.
there also we have to maintain a Quarantine register. Once in 3 months you have to review and take action against the items. Same will be recorded in the register.
The Benefits of "Sort" and the Red Tag Area:
Critical Assessment: It prompts employees to critically assess their workspace and possessions, fostering a heightened awareness of what is necessary for their daily tasks.
Structured Approach: The Red Tag Area provides a structured and organized method for dealing with items of uncertainty. It ensures that these items are not haphazardly discarded, potentially avoiding future inconvenience.
Decluttering: By separating unnecessary items and systematically removing or relocating them, "Sort" significantly reduces clutter in the workplace. This decluttering process has a direct impact on efficiency and safety.
Time and Resource Efficiency: With only essential items present in the workspace, employees can locate and access what they need with ease. This saves time and effort, contributing to increased productivity.
Safety Improvement: The reduction of clutter and the removal of unnecessary items can enhance safety in the workplace by minimizing tripping hazards and ensuring clear evacuation paths in case of emergencies.
Notes :
1. Removing unwanted things means, which is not required at the work place... it may be required other place ... or may be used after some time..
2. Removing scrap can't be considered as 1S. It will be day to work... it can be regularized by implementing 5S.
3. During the Sorting process management can understand, how well the items utilized properly, You will come to know which are the items bought with some need, but it was not used so long... Now you can put check on purchasing process.
4. the people also will aware the importance of buying necessary items to production. It will be visible to supervisor also
5. On completion of sorting process, the supervisor, and shop manger should go on the area and they can find additional things hide inside the workplace., yes... those are rejected items during processing, which are unaccounted for long time...
