SmartDraw's built-in templates are just one of many reasons why it's the best tool available for making 5S and other Lean diagrams.
The concept of 5S began in Japan and is associated with the Toyota Production System. The name comes from the five Japanese words that comprise the idea: seiri, seiton, seisou, seiketsu, and sitsuke. They have been translated into English as: sort, straighten, shine, standardize, and sustain.
5S is one of several techniques that led to "Just in Time" manufacturing. Today, it is most closely associated with the tenets of Lean and Six Sigma Practices that seek to improve production through elimination of waste.
To be clearly understood, 5S is best presented in a cycle diagram. This is because successful implementation requires continual practice. The clock-like format of this diagram makes it easy to grasp the idea that following 5S practices is a constant, continual process. Just like the perpetual progression of hands around a clock.
