The first step in your Lean journey is often 5S implementation. But is it your essential starting point—or are the principles already part of your culture? Use this checklist to decide if you should focus on 5S, or are ready to take your Lean organization to the next level.
Your Organization’s Lean Readiness Checklist: Is 5S Your First Step? (Answer Yes/No for each point across production floors, offices, warehouses, or service departments)
| 5S Pillar | Question | Yes / No |
|---|---|---|
| Sort | Are workspaces routinely cleared of items not needed for current operations (old tools, obsolete documents, excess parts)? | |
| Is there a clear, documented process for disposing of unneeded items, and is it consistently followed? | ||
| Set in Order | Are all tools, materials, and documents clearly labeled and stored in designated, accessible locations? | |
| Can anyone quickly find what they need without searching or asking? | ||
| Are shared resources (printers, meeting rooms, common tools) consistently returned to their designated spots after use? | ||
| Shine | Are workspaces, machinery, and common areas routinely cleaned and maintained, often by operators themselves? | |
| Does cleanliness expose issues like leaks, loose fittings, or equipment wear, leading to proactive maintenance? | ||
| Standardize | Are there clear, visual standards (floor markings, shadow boards, checklists) defining the organized state for each area? | |
| Are these standards consistently applied across similar areas or shifts? | ||
| Are deviations from these standards immediately obvious? | ||
| Sustain | Are leaders visibly involved in promoting and auditing workplace organization? | |
| Are employees actively engaged in maintaining standards and suggesting improvements? | ||
| Is there a consistent training and onboarding process reinforcing these organizational principles for new hires? |
Interpretation:
- Mostly “No”: Make 5S your foundation—it drives the discipline needed for Lean to succeed.
- Mix of “Yes” and “No”: Strengthen your weakest pillars and pair with Lean training.
- Mostly “Yes”: You’re ready for advanced Lean tools like Value Stream Mapping, Pull Systems, and deep Root Cause Analysis!
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