How much do you know about the key points of implementing 6S activities in a company?

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　　As business management models continue to evolve, 6S management has become one of the essential management approaches for many companies, especially in the manufacturing industry. As we all know, successful 6S management initiatives seem simple in theory, but are actually quite challenging to implement. Hua Tianmou, a 6S management consultant, tells us that things become simpler once one truly masters the key aspects of carrying out 6S initiatives. Next, we will introduce the key points for companies to implement 6S activities. 　　(I) Guidelines for implementing sorting:
1. Conduct a thorough inspection of the workplace (area), including both visible and invisible parts.
2. Establish criteria for identification.
3. Remove items that are not needed.
4. Assess the frequency of use of necessary items to determine daily requirements.
5. Perform daily self-inspections.

Waste resulting from poor sorting:
1. Waste of space.
2. Waste caused by the use of shelves or cabinets.
3. Waste due to parts or products becoming outdated and unusable.
4. Narrowing of storage areas.
5. Waste associated with having to manage even unnecessary items.
6. Waste of time spent on inventory management or counting.

(II) Guidelines for implementing organization:
1. Ensure that the work done in the previous step of sorting is properly carried out.
2. Determine clear storage locations for necessary items.
3. Arrange items neatly and in an orderly manner.
4. Mark positions on the floor using lines.
5. Label areas and items.
6. Establish procedures for handling waste.

Key points:
● The result of organization should be such that anyone can immediately access the items they need.
● Consider the perspective of new employees and those from other workplaces to make it clearer where each item should be placed.
● Ensure that items can be easily retrieved and used immediately.
● Also, it’s important to be able to return items to their original places after use, and to detect any items that haven’t been returned or have been misplaced promptly.

(III) Guidelines for implementing cleaning:
1. Designate responsible areas for cleaning (both indoors and outdoors).
2. Carry out a thorough cleaning of the entire company.
3. Clean every area thoroughly.
4. Identify sources of contamination and take measures to eliminate or isolate them.

Establish cleaning standards as guidelines:
● Cleaning means keeping the workplace free of trash and dirt. Even though items have been sorted and organized so that they can be easily accessed, it’s still necessary to ensure that the items are in a condition that allows them to be used properly. Reaching such a state is the primary goal of cleaning; especially given the current emphasis on manufacturing high-quality, high-value-added products, contamination by waste or dust that could lead to defects in the products is absolutely not acceptable. 　　　(IV) Key points for implementing cleaning: 1. Implement the first 3S practices. 2. Establish standards for visual management. 3. Develop methods for carrying out 6S. 4. Create audit procedures. 5. Set up reward and punishment systems to ensure proper implementation. 6. Senior managers should regularly lead inspections to encourage everyone to pay attention to 6S activities. 　　●Once the 6S initiative is launched, it must not become unclear halfway through. If it cannot be carried through to the end, another stain will be created, and this stain will also give rise to a conservative and rigid atmosphere within the company. ● To break this conservative and rigid pattern, more time must be spent to make corrections. 　　　(V) Key points for implementing professionalism: 1. Establish identification standards for clothing, armbands, work hats, etc.; 2. Formulate company rules and regulations; 3. Develop codes of conduct; 4. Provide education and training; 5. Promote various incentive programs; 6. Ensure compliance with rules and regulations; 7. Practice regular greetings and courteous behavior. (VI) Key points for implementing safety: 1. Strictly enforce various safety policies and regulations; 2. Provide adequate safety equipment and supplies; 3. Develop detailed safety procedures and systems; 4. Promptly eliminate unsafe behaviors and conditions.