I walked around the shop floor with the manager. We were discussing, the managers said-let's do a 5s initiative here. My suggestion to him was NO, don't do it till you analyse and eradicate the reasons why this inventory is kept like this. 1. Is it an order management issue? 2. It is due to a floor planning issue? 3. Is it due to a capacity related matter? 4. Disciplinary issue? 5. Supplier issue? 6. Space issue? 7. One time or repeating? Don't use any tool simply for the sake of it and without understanding the reasons. A detailed analysis will help to identify the reasons behind such an occurrence. It will happen again if you don't and then you will blame the 5s system for not being effective. Now we are into a detailed material management assignment.
Good one Ravi..while doing Gemba walk it's better besides 5S conditions ,which r pathetic in some cos ,also do 5M observations ..too.. Your Gemba walk is more productive n sensible too as it brings in lot of new n mystic revelations ..!!
Well said Interesting observation.. We r facing the same issue
firstly stop using half-cut sharp-edged steel barrels. it looks filthy, unprofessional, technically non-stackable and most importantly, unsafe! If the Manager had the budget to employ a consultant, he should have the budget to buy some standard storage containers too!
My opinion is follow 5s on daily basis then we do not have to do analysis in complex manner
Well taken point....if we see broadly, the 1S tells the same story of sorting out unnecessary , either inventory or semi finished one.
Well said. But few of my bosses suggested that keep practicing some tool to keep the momentum on else in some part of the country things will never get changed. An improved version is adopt some tool and implement your suggestion to ensure sustenance.
I have based on experience seen this to be something which cannot be worked in isolation as many other factors impacts the issue. But this is not to mean that what is possible that can be done is at least practiced which is where I see a difference between organizations.
Material mismanagement is a major problem
Agree
Manufacturing Consultant | Business Mentor | Performance Coach & Trainer | Empanelled Independent Director with IICA | Proud BNI Member
1yI have long back stopped making 5S as mandatory starting point. It doesn't make sense to do it without realising why in the first place the shop floor is littered with material. 5S is no doubt necessary first step to start improvements. But when there is none, there is a need travel from negative to Zero before we begin the journey upwards.