5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace: The Sourcebook for 5S Implementation

by Hiroyuki Hirano

Increase Profitability and Decrease Liability with 5S A criticalyet often overlooked area in the visual workplace is the concept of continuous improvement. In this important work, JIT expert Hiroyuki Hirano introduces his 5S Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. These steps are designed to improve efficiency, strengthen maintenance, and provide continuous improvement in all facets of a company’s operations. Addressing the skepticism of executives who deride the 5S System for its simplicity, the author, revered for his no-nonsense approach, warns of disastrous consequences for companies that fail to recognize its value; if they cannot successfully implement 5S, there is little hope of integrating large-scale changes such as JIT or re-engineering. Presented in a thorough, detailed style, 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace explains why the 5S's are so important, as well as the nuts- and-bolts of 5S implementation. Filled with numerous case studies, hundreds of graphic illustrations, and training materials, including over forty 5S user forms, this volume is a must-have guide for organizations seeking to thrive. To introduce the 5S system and sell its use to executives as well as workers, consider purchasing― 5S An Introduction DVD Catalog no. PP5934, Adhering to the principle of efficiency that defines this revolutionary and proven system, this video succinctly explains what is involved, who should participate, and what it will take to get started.

Genres: Business

353 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, practical guide to visual management. Supplement to any good lean program

[Bob Wallner · Rating 3 out of 5]

So in my effort to go back to the origins of Lean I chose Hirano-san's book "5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace" published by Productivity Press written in 1990 and translated in 1995.

In most "lean" books you hear about the perfection that is Toyota. When I purchased this I was ignorant about several things.
1 - I thought this was another book written about the inner workings of the iconic Toyota Motor Corporation. I was wrong. Hirano is a product of the electronics industry who turned consultant.
2 - I thought that the origins of 5s in Japan was as a countermeasure to a specific problem. Hirano teaches that 5s is a foundation for all future improvement including an alphabet soup of JIT, TPM & SMED.
3 - I have read books by Marie Kando and I was under the understanding that Japanese, as a culture, were an organized clean people. The author makes it very clear that Japanese Companies battle with the same issues of order and cleanliness that the Western World does with leadership & operator compliance. Companies such as Toyota were early adopters of this type of radical improvement.
4 - I cannot believe how much bureaucracy Japanese companies have/had. Committee for this or that. Maybe it's a translation issue and these are "Project Teams".
5 - Deming was such an icon in Japan. Hirano advocates very strongly AGAINST his leadership principle #10 to Eliminate Slogans & exhorations. In fact Hirano advocates that you have a strong promotions and slogan launch with posters.

I have read a couple of Dr. Gallsworth's books on Visual Workplace and Operator Lead Visuality and I listen to her podcast frequently. In all do respect to Hirano, I think Dr. Gallsworth's work on the subject is much more applicable. She says many of the same things, but in a more organized approach. Hirano advises to not let the operator decide what is needed, Gwendolyn says operator should lead the visual approach. This is more in-line with my personal principles.

So although this is a good read with some great ideas and a Japanese flair, I would pass it by and choose Visual Workplace as THE BIBLE for workplace visuality.

[Shawn Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to love these productivity press books!

[Ain · Rating 5 out of 5]

need this book for my assignment..awesome reference

[Matthew John]

This is a great reference book for starting a 5S initiative, it has solid practical advice which is immediately applicable on the factory floor. I will return to this book as often as possible.