1st Edition

5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace

By Hiroyuki Hirano Copyright 1995
    384 Pages
    by Productivity Press

    Increase Profitability and Decrease Liability with 5S

     A criticalyet often overlooked area in the visual workplace is the concept of continuous improvement. In this important work, JIT expert Hiroyuki Hirano introduces his 5S System: Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. These steps are designed to improve efficiency, strengthen maintenance, and provide continuous improvement in all facets of a company’s operations. Addressing the skepticism of executives who deride the 5S System for its simplicity, the author, revered for his no-nonsense approach, warns of disastrous consequences for companies that fail to recognize its value; if they cannot successfully implement 5S, there is little hope of integrating large-scale changes such as JIT or re-engineering.

    Presented in a thorough, detailed style, 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace explains why the 5S's are so important, as well as the nuts- and-bolts of 5S implementation. Filled with numerous case studies, hundreds of graphic illustrations, and training materials, including over forty 5S user forms, this volume is a must-have guide for organizations seeking to thrive.

    To introduce the 5S system and sell its use to executives as well as workers, consider purchasing—

    5S System: An Introduction DVD Catalog no. PP5934,

    Adhering to the principle of efficiency that defines this revolutionary and proven system, this video succinctly explains what is involved, who should participate, and what it will take to get started.

    Why Are the 5S's Necessary?
    Foundation for Corporate Survival
    Overview of the 5S's
    Introducing the 5S's into the Workplace
    The First Pillar: Organization
    The Second Pillar: Orderliness
    Visual Organization and Visual Orderliness
    The Red-Tag Strategy
    The Signboard Strategy
    The Third Pillar: Cleanliness
    The Fourth Pillar: Standardized Cleanup
    The Fifth Pillar: Discipline
    Case Studies: Reports from Four 5S Campaigns

    Biography

    Hiroyuki Hirano

    "5 Pillars of the Visual Workplaceis both a groundbreaking book on continuous improvement and a handy guide to the details of creating a superior workplace. Diligently applied, the 5S's will decrease expenses and boost productivity."
    — Jeff Olson, Editor, Soundview Executive Book Summaries June, 2004
    “… an excellent book for beginning polymer chemistry courses. Designed for an undergraduate audience, it is a very clear treatment of large molecule science. Polymer naming is discussed immediately, and there is an appropriate appendix to clarify the many acronyms used in discussing polymers. … Each chapter has exercises to help with understanding and a group of suggested supplemental readings for more in-depth information. Summing up: Highly recommended. Lower- and upper-division; graduate students; two year technical program students.”
    — M. P. Hanson, emeritus, Augustana College, SD, in Choice, Vol. 44, No. 10, June 2007