Working as a contract manufacturing unit of PPPL, first we implemented Quality Circles, Quality Improvement Team (QIT) and Total Quality Management (TQM). From then on drive to consistently improve quality led us to adopt 5S, a Japanese method for workplace organization.
5S represents 5 disciplines for maintaining a visual work place.
1) Seiri (Sort)
keep only essential tools, parts, and supplies while storing or discarding everything else.
2) Seiton (Straighten)
There should be a place for everything and everything must be in its place.
3) Seiso (Shine)
After each shift workplace should be cleaned and everything should be restored back in order.
4) Seiketsu (Standardize)
Standardize refers to maintaining high standards in every work practice and maintaining consistency in their application.
5) Shitsuke (Sustain)
The 5th ‘S’ is regarding maintaining self discipline about consistently following new working style and constructively resolving any issues arising in the process.
We have propagated these systems in our both units and eventually have added other supporting activities like Training, CSR, Visiting employees’ home, Improvement in Infrastructure, Cultural Programmes, Personal Safety Programmes, Food Safety Programmes, Motivational Programmes, Environment Safety, Energy Conservation, Automation, Autonomous Maintenance, Zero Defects, Cost Reduction, and many more.