WORKPLACE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING, MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE

GENERAL CONCEPTS OF 7S

Description:

It is the most basic and fundamental approach for productivity and quality improvement in all types of business. 

The general concept of the 7S is intended to optimize the physical workspace for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining orderliness and cleanliness in the area and sustaining the new order to ensure safety of the workers in the most efficient manner. 

7S of Good Housekeeping is an expanded version of 5S of Good Housekeeping: 

1. Sort 

2. Systematize 

3. Sweep 

4. Standardize 

5. Self-discipline 

6. Sustain 

7. Safety  

COMPARISON BETWEEN 5S AND 7S OF GOOD HOUSEKEEPING

While 5S is still very popular, some organizations choose to modify it by adding one or more additional steps. 7S is the extension of 5S with an additional 2S. Generally, which are used together with the 1st five to create 7S, are Safety & Spirit. 7S intends to eliminate Muda (waste).

BENEFITS OF IMPLEMENTING 7S IN THE WORKPLACE

• Floor space utilization is improved.
• Satisfaction & morale of employees improves.
• Workflow becomes well organized & smoother and non-value-added activities are removed.
• Time for searching tools, materials & documents is reduced.
• Along with the productivity of the organization, the quality of products and services is improved.
• Machine breakdowns are decreased, and it also becomes easier to diagnose and repair before they occur, so prolonged equipment life. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS OF 7S

Key Takeaways:

• For a well-organized workplace, “5S focuses on sorting, setting in order, shining, standardizing, and sustaining.
• The 5S concepts are expanded upon by 7S, which places an emphasis on employee development and environmental awareness.
• 5S and 7S implementation improve workplace productivity, safety, quality, and overall effectiveness.