Why tidiness is our secret weapon in Quality Management
8 April 2024
Incorporating good housekeeping, tidiness and hygiene into your quality management strategy is not just about aesthetics; it's about creating a foundation for consistent, high-quality products.
Beyond inspections and charts
In the world of manufacturing, quality management conjures images of meticulous inspections, stringent procedures and intricate data analysis. While these elements are undoubtedly crucial, so too is good housekeeping, tidiness and hygiene. By recognising the ripple effect of clutter and actively cultivating a clean, organised environment, TEX Plastics unlock our secret weapon in our quest for excellence.
Building a Culture of Cleanliness
Implementing this holistic approach to quality management requires deliberate effort:
Invest in training: Educating employees on the link between tidiness and quality fosters a shared understanding and commitment.
Lead by example: Management demonstrating good housekeeping practices sets the tone and encourages employee participation.
Prioritise organisation: Implement clear labelling, designated storage areas and regular cleaning routines.
Embrace continuous improvement: Encourage employee feedback and suggestions for improving tidiness and organisation.
Reward positive behaviour: Recognise and reward employees who champion good housekeeping practices.
The past three years have seen dramatic improvements
Both Barnstaple and Derby facilities have undergone significant improvements in their floorplans and this has enabled us to design in better layouts. In replacing machines, we have strategically remapped both of our facilities to ensure the workstations are optimised for efficiency and there's a place for everything - and more importantly everything is in its’ place.
The influence of 5S on the tidiness of our facilities
In essence, 5S goes beyond surface-level cleanness. It creates a systematic approach to organisation and maintenance, leading to a cleaner, more efficient and safer work environment. Consequently, product quality improves, production costs decrease and employee morale raises.
The 5S methodology plays a crucial role in influencing the tidiness of a factory by focusing on five key principles:
1. Sort (Seiri)
This involves separating essential items from unnecessary ones and discarding the latter. Removing clutter creates a cleaner, more organised workspace.
Sort minimises clutter, creating more space and reducing chances of misplaced items.
2. Set in Order (Seiton)
This involves arranging frequently used items in a designated location for easy access, eliminating time wasted searching. Clear labelling further enhances organisation.
Set in Order eliminates unnecessary movement and searching, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting efficiency.
3. Shine (Seiso)
This emphasises regular cleaning and maintaining a spotless environment. Eliminating dirt, dust and spills, minimises contamination risks and creates a more pleasant work area.
Shine prevents contamination, ensuring products meet quality standards and avoids rework.
4. Standardise (Seiketsu)
This focuses on establishing standardised procedures for organising, cleaning and maintaining the workplace. Consistent practice ensures orderliness is upheld regardless of individual variations.
Standardise creates a consistent environment, regardless of individual differences, preventing confusion and promoting order.
5. Sustain (Shitsuke)
This emphasises continuous improvement and fostering a culture of tidiness. Regular audits, training and employee involvement ensure tidiness becomes an ingrained habit, not a temporary effort.
Sustain ensures tidiness becomes part of the work culture, preventing backsliding and maintaining long-term benefits.
Quality Management helps optimise efficiency
By implementing a robust 5S program, factories can reap the numerous benefits of a clean and organised environment, transforming tidiness from a cosmetic concern into a powerful quality management tool.
Reduced lead times: Easier access to tools and materials leads to faster production cycles.
Improved safety: Organised workplaces minimise tripping hazards and clutter-related accidents.
Enhanced communication: Clearer layouts and labelling facilitate better communication and collaboration.
Boosted problem-solving: Visualising issues becomes easier in a tidy environment, aiding in timely problem identification and resolution.
Organised workspaces allow for smooth operations, minimising misplaced tools and ensuring procedures are followed accurately. A clean environment minimises contamination risks, leading to more consistent product quality. Clear and organised work areas facilitate better communication, reducing errors and promoting adherence to guidelines. It fosters a sense of pride and ownership, leading to increased engagement and lower error rates. Time spent searching for tools, packaging materials or cleaning up spills is minimised, leading to higher productivity and cost savings.