Why you should get your 5S certification
In our second edition of “Why You Should” we’re going to discuss another process improvement certification called 5S. Many times people think of 5S as an offshoot of Six Sigma, but it is actually more closely related to TQM and Just-in-time principles.
5S is a workplace organizational method. The ‘S’ in 5S stands for Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. It is a method in which you learn to organize a work station to completely eliminate waste. This means waste in movement, supplies, processes, machinery, etc. 5S also plays a big factor into safety. A properly organized 5S workplace is a safe workplace. Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons you should consider getting a 5S certification:
Understanding of workplace organization:
5S is all about workplace organization. Having your 5S certification can teach you how to properly organize the workstation for safety and efficiency. Work processes should be run without interruptions and waste; searching, long transportation routes and waiting times should all be avoided.
Order and tidiness are basic requirements for the improvement of work processes, quality control and employee commitment. 5S can be used within every division of the organization; e.g., production, services, administration, data storage, and information technology. It also requires visualization of developed standards at the workplace. With these standards in place, differences can be easily recognized by leadership within the company.
Safety:
Many organizations are now adding another element to the 5S project, making it a 6S project. The extra element is Safety. While a properly run 5S project automatically increases safety, adding it as a separate element helps to make safety a primary concern. One of the best ways to cut down on accidents is to simply avoid mistakes. Rework, lack of employee training, lack of quality, deficient customer connections, and wrong information are all mistakes which can lead to safety issues.
The 4th S in 5S stands for ‘Seiketsu’, or Standardize. Standardization can go a long way when it comes to safety. In this stage you simplify the maintenance of your system and implement cleanliness protocols. All employees who execute the same job should be able to work with the same tools at every workstation and find all items in the same order. This makes for safe operation and allows all team members to quickly recognize unsafe practices.
Great resumé builder in manufacturing sector:
If you’ve ever worked in manufacturing, you know the emphasis that most organizations put on safety. It wasn’t always that way, but in today’s world safety is king. Implementing strong safety protocols while implementing a 5S project is perfectly timed because they go hand-in-hand. Having all tools and machinery properly labeled and in working order means an accident is less likely.
Affordable alternative
If you’re looking to add a “quality control” certification to your resume, the 5S certification is a great choice. The MSI certification is only $49.95, making it substantially cheaper than any other QA program. Even if you don’t work in manufacturing, a 5S certification can look good on a resume. It shows employers you have organizational skills and that you take efficiency seriously.
