Technology • August 15, 2025
No matter what kind of business you run — a factory, a warehouse, or an office — staying organized is essential for getting work done without delays, stress, or costly mistakes.When tools are easy to find, surfaces are clean, and everyone follows the same rules, work flows smoother and with fewer mistakes.
One of the most effective ways to set up this kind of environment is by using 6S. This method began as part of the Japanese Toyota Production System and quickly spread across industries around the world.
6S is a workplace organization system designed to improve efficiency, safety, and productivity through six structured steps: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, and Safety.
Originally developed from the 5S framework, 6S adds a critical focus on safety. This makes it especially effective in environments where both performance and employee well-being are essential — from factories and warehouses to modern offices.
Each step of 6S supports the others, helping businesses reduce waste, keep tools and materials in the right place, and maintain a clean, orderly space where teams can stay focused and work more effectively.
The 6S method (also called 5S+ Safety) is based on six sequential steps:
To fully understand what 6S is, we must recognize its core principles. They are based on lean management and help to reduce waste and improve performance.
To successfully implement 6S, it is important to follow these principles: workplace organization, waste reduction, employee engagement, visual management, training and development.
The 6S lean principles create an ecosystem where the physical layout, employee mindset, and management objectives are aligned. It helps support greater efficiency, fewer interruptions, and ultimately, workplace safety.
Modern businesses require clarity and operational efficiency. The 6S methodology assists in achieving this. Companies that have implemented it typically experience improved workplace efficiency and increased job satisfaction.
In addition, using of 6S helps attain the following results:
While 6S offers lot of advantages, organizations may face implementation challenges:
Manufacturing processes are complex and involve multiple steps, equipment and personnel. Using 6S at each step in the work environment helps keep things running smoothly: materials are ready, tools are easy to find, and delays are few.
In factories and industrial plants, this method helps drive important changes in how things are organized. Steel mills, chemical plants, and food processing companies use it to fix many operational problems and improve their production.
Electronics companies using 6S lean improved efficiency by 30% and found over 50 potential hazards within their first three months. By training teams on these principles and applying them strictly, they turn disorder into order.
Textile manufacturers discover unique opportunities to apply the method for industry-specific challenges. The methodology proves particularly effective when handling different materials and meeting high standards for product quality.
Healthcare facilities use 6S to create sterile, highly organized environments in operating rooms, treatment areas, and pharmacy storage.
Financial institutions apply the methodology to optimize document flow and create customer-focused office spaces.
Educational institutions use 6S in labs, workshops, and offices to create better learning spaces.
Retail businesses adopt these principles to organize warehouses, optimize product displays, and improve customer service culture.
But before anything else, companies need to ask themselves: what is 6S really about, and how does it fit our workflow?
Successful implementation of the system is a responsible step. To make this process effective, it is recommended to develop clear instructions and follow a certain sequence of actions.
Begin by training staff on 6S lean principles, auditing current environments, identifying improvement areas, and setting measurable goals. Implementations often start with pilot areas before scaling.
By removing waste and distractions, standardizing operations, and addressing potential hazards, 6S naturally leads to increased efficiency and more focused workforces.
Absolutely! The 6S lean management is often used in manufacturing, but it also works well in offices. It helps organize digital files, clean up workspaces, and improve how tasks are done.
ProcessNavigation maximizes support for implementing and maintaining 5S and 6S methodologies by providing an integrated digital platform covering every stage of the process. The system enables organizations to create detailed workflow maps, track workplace conditions, and ensure continuous compliance with 6S standards. Key modules include: – Instructions, Checklists & Inspections — to standardize processes and ensure adherence to best practices. – Training — to accelerate onboarding and maintain skill levels. – Document Management — to keep critical information organized and accessible. – Incident Reporting — to quickly address and analyze workplace issues. – Task Management — to plan, assign, and track work efficiently. The platform continuously monitors compliance, automatically alerts management to deviations, and helps maintain order, safety, and discipline in daily operations.
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