5S is often considered as the foundation for both Fat and Lean Manufacturing, although the definitions differ somewhat depending on the methodology used. Here are the definitions of the five S’s in a fat working environment:

1. Sort out

Clear a space to fill with something else which may or may not be useful. More than likely the item will not have an owner. This also helps ensure that sorting out will constantly be necessary.

2. Set apart

Keep items that are required frequently in random places. Often personal tool boxes / filing cabinets are kept by individuals which are sometimes locked to prevent borrowing or theft of the items inside. It is not unusual to find borrowed or stolen items inside tool boxes / filing cabinets.

3. Sweep over surface

Keeping things clean is clearly not part of a worker’s daily job, as they need to be kept busy, for example on looking after waste. Cleaning companies are employed to superficially sweep over the surface of messy work areas, removing the need for employees to feel responsible for keeping things tidy, knowing that a tidy work area looks as though no work has been done. Deep cleaning is avoided by cleaning companies to ensure there is always cleaning work to do at the end of each working day. See ‘Stain’.

4. Stand about

Also linked to WAITING in the 8 Wastes. Can be accompanied by tea or coffee.

5. Stain

Ensuring work clothes, equipment, desk surfaces and shop floor areas accumulate stains, and mess in general, reassures management that employees are busy working, and that they are not wasting money on hiring an expensive cleaning company.