Introduction

A '5S' driven workplace enhances productivity and competitiveness and fosters a productivity culture through a continual process of identifying, reducing and eliminating MUDA. The objectives are closely linked to NPCC's vision for a 'Better Living for the Nation'.

‘5S’

Identify, Reduce and Eliminate MUDA

Organised & World Class Gemba (Workplace)

Enhancement in Productivity & Competitiveness

Better Living for the Nation

5S'' is a tool with Japanese roots, focused on fostering and sustaining high quality house keeping. ''5S'' is the beginning of a productive life for everyone, and is fundamental to productivity improvement. A clean, organised and systematic workplace directly impacts MUDA and thus impacts productivity, Quality, Costs and other factors. '5S' is a time tested and proven approach (in fact a stepping stone) to achieving  World Class status. The 1st S stands for Seiri (sorting), 2nd S  Seiton (arranging), 3rd S  Seiso (cleaning), 4th S  Seiketsu (maintaining) and the 5th S  Shitsuke (self discipline).

The physical environment determines ones behaviour. On the other hand, similar behavioural patterns among group of people defines culture. Thus, there is a strong link between culture and physical environment. Extrapolating, one can also find a strong link between the physical environment at the workplace and productivity.

Benefits resulting from practice of ‘5S’

 Ø         Safety (preventing accidents),

Ø         Productivity (eliminating wastes),

Ø         Quality (preventing errors)

Ø         And equipment maintenance (reduction in breakdowns).

 The other benefits that may accrue in implementing '5S' include:

 (1)        Workplace becomes clean and better organised

(2)        Shop floor and office operation becomes easier and safer

(3)        Results are visible to everyone

(4)        Visible results enhance generation of more and new ideas

(5)        People are automatically disciplined

(6)        People become proud of clean and organised workplace

(7)        Resultant good company image generates more business

(8)        Total employee participation in improving the shop floor management is possible.

(9)        Inculcates in the employees a 'Kaizen' mentality, i.e a mentality for continuous improvement.

(10)           Develops teamwork and discipline.

  (11)           Forms the basis for advanced models of productivity and quality improvement.

 Who can apply '5S'

 The '5S' concept is easy for everyone to understand: it does not require understanding of difficult terminologies. It is simple, driven by logic and natural to human behaviour

 (1)        '5S' is within the reach of any private and public organisation - of any size

 (2)        It can be practised by any company in any business: manufacturing, commerce,  service etc

 (3)        and may be applied in educational institutions as well

5S-Certification

 NPCC is introducing a National '5S' Certification to develop and sustain a productivity culture across Mauritius. This Certification will reinforce the Muda Free Mauritius campaign.  Achieving Certification is a public declaration of commitment to high quality housekeeping and continuous improvement to meet customer needs.

 The NPCC  IMAI '5S' Excellence Award

The NPCC  IMAI '5S' Excellence Award is meant to be the vehicle to foster, motivate, recognise and reward Excellence in '5S'. This Award should be seen as a means to an end, not the end itself; the end being to develop and sustain a productivity culture across Mauritius.  Only those organisations who are certified by NPCC for ‘5S’ will be evaluated for the award.

Registration

 Any institution implementing '5S' should apply to the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC), Ground Floor, St James Court, St Denis Str, Port Louis for registration.

 A Certificate will be awarded by the NPCC and the Kaizen Institute (Africa Asia Pacific) to any institution which has successfully implemented '5S' practices at the Workplace (Gemba).

 The Certificate is valid for two years, and a re-audit will be performed every two years to check on sustained actions by the recipient institution for continued validity of certification. Those organisations who are not using '5S' can avail of NPCC's '5S' related training and consulting services, before they aspire to compete for the award.

Audit Process

Audit Criteria

5S' Auditors Licence

The NPCC will set up a pool of 5S Auditors. The latter will be invited and selected by the NPCC and Kaizen Institute, and would include those who are knowledgeable about 5S through implementation. The Auditors will be offered a focused 5S auditors' course by the Kaizen Institute under the aegis of the NPCC. The training will include theory as well as live audits, preparation and discussion on reports, all supported by relevant manuals and documentation.