5S Cleaning Vs. the 100% System of Cleanliness

A major frustration for small business owners is clutter in the workplace causing stress and lost productivity. For this reason, we implemented the 100% System of Cleanliness versus the 5s cleaning system.

Also, important, by having a clutter free facility with ALL items used in production and service in their designation location, readily available employees, it increases speed. Therefore, you save time by reducing the number of literal steps, to locate an item used in the workplace.

With a housekeeping system in place, a business receives immediate attention and positive feedback from clients and others. To be sure, it’s the first thing people will see when entering a place of business. As a result, visitors get a lasting first impression of the business and how it operates.

What is the 100% System of Cleanliness?

Simply stated, every item used in a business, whether production or service, has a designated location and is conveniently located. In addition, the designated location is permanent, clean and clearly labeled. And, every item returned to the designated location when not in-use.

To be clear, not just SOME items, but EVERY item has a designated place. In short, this is the 100% System of Cleanliness policy!

Incorporating the Daily Routine Checklist for Self-Auditing

The 100% Cleanliness System makes good use of a section on an employee’s Daily Routine Checklist. Whereby, the checklist prompts employees to return ALL items to their designated location with not in use.

To emphasize, not just 70 or 80%, BUT 100% of all items in the workplace are in their designated place when not in use. Therefore, the system self-sustains at a 100%. To repeat, SUSTAINING the 100% System of Cleanliness with the self-monitoring Daily Routine Checklist, is key. In conclusion, employees audit themselves!

What is the 5S System?

The “5s cleaning” is a term used in Lean Manufacturing. It’s a methodology for keeping all areas of a business facility clean and in good order. To accomplish this goal, the mission is to Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and most importantly, SUSTAIN. These are the (FIVE S’s) 5s of lean manufacturing.

Important to remember is, in order to “Sustain” the 5s cleaning system, it employs Auditors to frequently monitor with unannounced inspections. For the purpose of ensuring compliance to 5s standards. To be sure, without this constant monitoring the system will break down into disorder. Sadly, the 5s system has a 98% failure rate according to many 5s lean manufacturing experts.

Summarizing the Differences Between the Two Systems

As with all systems, sustaining 5s and the 100% System of Cleanliness is a big challenge, especially for small businesses. In fact, over 98% of Lean Management 5s systems fail.

Therefore, having an employee prompted by their Daily Routine Checklist, versus spot-checking by an unannounced auditor, sustains the 100% System of Cleanliness.

The 100% System of Cleanliness vs 5S | What’s the Best?

To be fair, both systems work.

A Truth to Consider about Business Housekeeping

You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression! For this reason, people have a preconceived picture in their mind of how a business looks, before arriving.

Therefore, make sure visitors are not disappointed.