Try saying “6S” five times fast. One can’t help but say “Success,” and that’s exactly what 6S can accomplish. 6S is a component of “Lean” thinking that has been implemented in the Air Logistics Centers and is now working its way to the rest of the Air Force. It’s a way to get areas cleaned up, organized and improved. This isn’t just for industrial areas; the program works well in all environments, whether it is an office, a storage facility or the flight line. Simply put, the 6S’s are Sort, Straighten, Scrub, Safety, Standardize and Sustain. Many of these S’s can work concurrently, but it is recommended they be done in the following order:
Sort: This means getting rid of whatever is not needed. It’s easy to stockpile items over the years and stash them away in a corner or closet. Use a “Red Tag” campaign to mark items that aren’t needed. Be ruthless. It’s amazing how much free space suddenly appears.
Straighten: There is a place for everything, and everything needs to be in its place. Designate a spot for everything or build/buy the right box for it. Label with different colors of tape or painted lines/boxes so there is no confusion about what goes there and what its purpose is.
Scrub: Clean it up or paint as appropriate. A clean environment improves appearance, morale and productivity. Cleaning also helps to identify potential problems hidden from sight.
Safety: Everyone’s goal should always be to make the workplace safer. Identify unsafe conditions or practices. Fix the things that can be fixed and elevate the things that can’t. Look at ergonomics; a new tool or work stand can do wonders for safety and morale.
Standardize: Make it the same throughout. This will eliminate confusion and improve efficiency. Standardizing also includes identifying who is responsible for upkeep of areas. Establish a visual management system to ensure compliance.
Sustain: There is no point in doing this if it isn’t long-term. Change is always difficult and the first few months are the hardest. Develop checklists and hold people accountable for their areas. A little friendly competition goes a long way, so invite others to check progress.
Although our 6S program is far from complete, it has set a new benchmark by applying the 6S’s to Ramstein’s aged C-130 fleet. Productivity has increased, and the work centers are remarkably cleaner, safer, more organized. Most importantly, the personnel are exhibiting increased pride in their workplace.
Maybe it’s more than coincidence that 6S sounds like success.
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Try saying “6S” five times fast. One can’t help but say “Success,” and that’s exactly what 6S can accomplish. 6S is a component of “Lean” thinking that has been implemented in the Air Logistics Centers and is now working its way to the rest of the Air Force. It’s a way to get areas cleaned up, organized and improved. This isn’t just for industrial areas; the program works well in all environments, whether it is an office, a storage facility or the flight line. Simply put, the 6S’s are Sort, Straighten, Scrub, Safety, Standardize and Sustain. Many of these S’s can work concurrently, but it is recommended they be done in the following order:
Sort: This means getting rid of whatever is not needed. It’s easy to stockpile items over the years and stash them away in a corner or closet. Use a “Red Tag” campaign to mark items that aren’t needed. Be ruthless. It’s amazing how much free space suddenly appears.
Straighten: There is a place for everything, and everything needs to be in its place. Designate a spot for everything or build/buy the right box for it. Label with different colors of tape or painted lines/boxes so there is no confusion about what goes there and what its purpose is.
Scrub: Clean it up or paint as appropriate. A clean environment improves appearance, morale and productivity. Cleaning also helps to identify potential problems hidden from sight.
Safety: Everyone’s goal should always be to make the workplace safer. Identify unsafe conditions or practices. Fix the things that can be fixed and elevate the things that can’t. Look at ergonomics; a new tool or work stand can do wonders for safety and morale.
Standardize: Make it the same throughout. This will eliminate confusion and improve efficiency. Standardizing also includes identifying who is responsible for upkeep of areas. Establish a visual management system to ensure compliance.
Sustain: There is no point in doing this if it isn’t long-term. Change is always difficult and the first few months are the hardest. Develop checklists and hold people accountable for their areas. A little friendly competition goes a long way, so invite others to check progress.
Although our 6S program is far from complete, it has set a new benchmark by applying the 6S’s to Ramstein’s aged C-130 fleet. Productivity has increased, and the work centers are remarkably cleaner, safer, more organized. Most importantly, the personnel are exhibiting increased pride in their workplace.
Maybe it’s more than coincidence that 6S sounds like success.