5S is a system for organizing spaces so work can be performed efficiently, effectively, and safely. 5S is original from Japan and consists of five Japanese words: seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke. In English, these words are often translated to: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.

A brief overview of 5S

Sort: Keep only necessary items in the workplace

Set in Order: Arrange items to promote efficient workflow

Shine: Clean the work area so it is neat and tidy

Standardize: Set standards for a consistently organized workplace

Systematize: Maintain and review standards

A messy, cluttered space can lead to mistakes, slowdowns in production, and even accidents, all of which interrupt operations and negatively impact a company. 5S is considered a foundational part of the production because until the workplace is in a clean, organized state, achieving consistently good results is difficult. By having a systematically organized facility, a company increases the likelihood that production will occur exactly as it should.

Li Qichun, the lecturer of the 5S and Visual Management Training Course, is an Enterprise Management Expert with more than 20 years of management experience. The course was held on Qingyuan base of KINGFA MEDICAL, lasting two days. A total of 35 core staff from the manufacturing department attended the course.

At the beginning of the class, Zhao Yu, Vice General Manager of KINGFA MEDICAL, emphasized the meaning of quality and our goal to build a future where high quality, low-cost PPE is available to everyone, no matter how much money they have or where they live. Everyone should participate in 5S, included in managers and all other employees. If anyone is left out, this could lead to confusion or to messes that people don't want to take ownership of.

Before the course, Li Qichun visited the nitrile gloves factory, collected the good and bad 5S examples and made a specific & practical training plan. During the 5S and Visual Management Training Course, all trainees systematically understood 5S and Visual Management and learned how to get started with 5S and Visual Management to reduce waste, increases efficiency and overall quality.