Sort is the first step in any 5S process. The term sort derives originally from the Japanese word “Seiri” which means decide what you need. When you sort, the goal is to remove unnecessary items from the room, station, or space you live or work. Then, you would be ready to carry out the other four steps.
The sorting process starts by observing your workplace or focus area from an observer point of view and trying to identify everything that you won’t use in the short term. Look at all the items you have on the table or the desk (documents, tools, pens, folders), open your drawers and cabinets. Check if there are boxes or tools on the floor.
In this first step, you usually realize that there are many items that you desire to keep, but you don’t need them. I am not talking about family pictures or decorations that you want to keep. Identify documents, tools or items that “you may use in the future,” but realistically, you won’t use it at all. The problem is that, in five years when you want to use them, you won’t find them, or they will not be in good condition anymore so you will buy another anyway. Let’s avoid it.
Sorting is not about getting rid of everything, either. You need to be careful to ensure you will have what you need at the right time. This is the first 5S principle: “find everything in less than 30”.
If you don’t sort, then you need to store it. Storing items is always expensive. You need:
· physical space that you could use for something else
· insurance for storage
· a maintenance schedule to keep the items in good shape
· transport and move it around
· regular checks to keep the inventory updated
Sorting is like planning; for every minute you spend sorting, you earn an hour.
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