A case study on effectiveness of 4S implementation in a machine shop

5S is widely known to be most effective in most industries especially in manufacturing sectors. This paper reports on the effectiveness of implementing 4S in a machine shop. The mentioned 4S are namely; Seiri, Seiton, Seiso and Seiketsu. The 4S are Japanese terms which are translated in English as Sort, Set-in-order, Shine and Standardize. The purpose of this paper is to implement the 4S technique to standardize, improve the working conditions as productivity will improve. As well, to implement the 4S as a continuous improvement technique or tool to improve and promote the machine shop. This study evaluates the conditions of the machine shop from before and after implementing 4S with the use of pictorials. The use of pictorials is another new method of a research tool. Data collection method and the effectiveness of 4S are based on the observations made, when a person is examined through a time study searching for a single tool until found. These observations and times are conducted and recorded before and after 4S is implemented at the machine shop. Collected data on before and after implementation, resulted in greater space utilization, eliminated abnormalities, improved productivity, improved efficiency as time is saved, and pleasant working space.