Day: October 22, 2018

The Benefits Of 5S Methodology

Behind the construction of BUILT Systems’ products is the use of 5S methodology. This is a system that works hand in hand with the Kaizen leadership philosophy. The ultimate purpose is to organize the workplace into a more efficient space in terms of cost, time and other resources. Originally made up of five Japanese terms – seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke – the steps are loosely translated into English – sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain – for easy implementation.

Step One: Sort

The first step of the 5S process is “sort.” This involves taking stock of the workplace and identifying which tools and materials are required for everyday operations, along with which are not beneficial to the organization’s productivity. After this review, the items that are found unnecessary can be eliminated. They’re counterproductive to 5S methodology’s intent of maximizing efficiency.

Step Two: Straighten

Once the required items for the organization to operate are identified, the second step, “straighten,” comes into play. This involves ensuring that all required items are clearly available and easily located by all employees. This makes it easier to keep things running smoothly and promotes overall cleanliness and organization of the workplace. Both of which can help improve productivity.

Step Three: Shine

To accomplish the third step, “shine,” the workplace and necessary tools must be clean and in working order. This helps prevent issues during the production process, such as equipment malfunctions. These can cause an unnecessary expenditure of time, money and labor.

Step Four: Standardize

The fourth step, “standardize,” is designed to convert the processes involved in the first three steps into one continuous workflow. Crafting guidelines to ensure that all items remain appropriately sorted, straightened and shined will help your organization stick to the plan. It will also avoid reverting back to the less-streamlined state that your company is seeking to leave behind.

Step Five: Sustain

Finishing off the 5S process is “sustain.” This final step involves strictly adhering to the standards that are set in the fourth step over time. It also suggests that improvements should constantly be sought out in order to fully utilize the potential of the company. While the set standards should be followed, they can always be improved upon even further.

From increased worker satisfaction to higher-quality products, 5S methodology has a host of desirable results. BUILT Systems’ PRODUCTS align with the five pillars of the 5S methodology to help your company attain a high level of efficiency. To learn more about how BUILT Systems can bolster your organization’s operations, CONTACT US today.

What Is Kaizen Leadership?

The Japanese word “kaizen,” roughly translates into English, meaning “change for the better.” It’s no surprise that the Kaizen leadership philosophy appeals to any organization focused on productivity and efficiency – especially here at BUILT Systems. The main goal behind the Kaizen mentality is improvement. Applied to business, the philosophy is to improve all aspects of an organization over time, from the most meager of tasks to the highest level of management.

The Basic Ideas Of Kaizen

When observing the Kaizen philosophy in practice within a company, you notice that the root causes of problems are identified. Improvements and changes are made by each individual employee, whether they’re the CEO or a worker on the floor. Revamping the machinations of an organization with a plan created solely at the top is not ideal. A leader practicing the Kaizen philosophy takes note of feedback and insights from every member of the organization. Then they support the implementation of positive change at all levels.

Another crucial element of the Kaizen philosophy is the reduction of waste. Though not the physical waste one might typically think of when using the word. Instead, the Kaizen concept of waste reduction involves streamlining the activities of an organization in order to reach maximum efficiency. This means cutting down on the unnecessary use of resources, such as time and money.

The Kaizen Process

When improvements are sought, problems must be acknowledged. In order for this to happen, a Kaizen leader needs to keep an eye out for any issues that can be addressed and welcome any suggested improvements. Whether brought up by a veteran administrator or a new hire. Once a plan of action is decided upon, the improvement process continues by everyone involved to ensure success across the board. And, in a nutshell, this is how the Kaizen leadership process works. It’s a continuous cycle in which all employees are looking out for ways in which processes can be refined. This along with actively applying the relevant improvements.

Seeing Results

There are many reasons why the Kaizen philosophy works. One of the most vital factors being the inclusion of workers on every level of the organization. Low-level employees might feel that their voice isn’t given its due respect under an ordinary leadership philosophy. Kaizen seeks to erase this feeling, improving employee satisfaction and resulting in enhanced productivity and enthusiasm on the job.

Reap The Benefits

Utilizing the Kaizen model as a core construct, BUILT Systems designs manufacturing equipment and custom production solutions that are highly adaptable and modular to keep up with the shifting demands of your company’s production floor. As your business implements improvements and tweaks current processes, the products at BUILT Systems will keep pace. See the results for yourself by discovering the benefits that BUILT Systems can offer you. CONTACT US to speak with a representative about the many ways our products will streamline your team’s work.