SORT is the first step of the 5S program. Items in the warehouse are arranged in the workplace into three groups: retain, return, and rid. In this way, an organisation can identify materials it holds, where they are held, and whether or not they are needed.

An imperative element of lean manufacturing is setting items in order. During this step, companies will find a place for everything and ensure their position is clearly labelled and protected. 

Cleanliness one might assume is to do with personal hygiene, but there is merit to paying particular attention to cleanliness in the business setting in lean manufacturing. Maintaining, servicing, and repairing damaged equipment as necessary is a critical component of 5S lean manufacturing. 

A program’s effectiveness is determined by how well its components are standardised. The standardisation of sorting requires developing programs and controls so that employees, supervisors, and managers make sorting a regular part of operations so that it becomes second nature – i.e. avoid constantly changing systems! 

SUSTAIN is the final component of the 5S philosophy. Detailed and rigorous review programs monitor and fine-tune each of the steps of the 5S program to achieve this step. It is a reality of any program that it must continually be reviewed for inefficiency and revised to be increasingly effective as time goes on.