Beyond 5S: How CGTI is Transforming Workplaces with the 6S Method
Operational excellence isn’t achieved by accident; it is built through disciplined habits. While many are familiar with the traditional 5S system, CGTI is integrating the critical sixth “S”—Safety—to ensure that high performance never comes at the cost of worker well-being.
What is the 6S Method?
The 6S Method is a system designed to organize a workplace for efficiency and effectiveness by identifying and storing the items used, maintaining the area and items, and sustaining the new order.
- Sort (Seiri): Separate necessary tools from unnecessary clutter.
- Set in Order (Seiton): Arrange items so they are easy to use and find.
- Shine (Seiso): Clean the workplace daily to maintain standards and identify problems.
- Standardize (Seiketsu): Create consistent workflows for the first three steps.
- Sustain (Shitsuke): Build the habit of maintaining correct procedures.
- Safety (Anzen): The Core Pillar. Identifying risks and mitigating hazards as a constant part of the workflow.
Why the 6th “S” Changes Everything
By incorporating Safety as a core pillar rather than an afterthought, CGTI’s training ensures that:
- Risk Mitigation: Potential hazards are identified during the “Shine” and “Sort” phases.
- Reduced Waste: Efficiency increases when tools are where they should be, but safety ensures those tools are used without injury.
- Employee Morale: Team members perform better when they feel their environment is designed for their protection.
- High Performance: A clean, organized, and safe space naturally leads to higher productivity and lower operational costs.