DIY 5S Implementation vs. a 5S Consultant
So you have decided it’s time to implement a 5S system? Great!
Now, will you carry out the implementation yourself or should you hire a 5S Consultant to guide you? Here is some helpful information to help you make your decision.
Implementing a 5S Program Yourself
Even with lots of work to be done, it’s possible to DIY 5S. It will take a lot of devotion and hard work. Identifying problems and researching proper solutions does take time and resources. If you decide to implement 5S on your own, you can always find an abundance of resources available at The 5S Store and you can call for assistance.
Here are a few tips to help you get ready to implement a 5S program on your own:
Assemble 5S products for your workplace.
Before you get started, make sure to have the products that will help you get organized, eliminate waste, and keep others informed about your plan to implement 5S. Otherwise, 5S will not have a chance to sustain.
Order 5S organizing products in time.
When you’re ready to create organized spaces on your floor marking or red tag holding areas – for example, you’ll want to ensure that the products you need are readily available. Remember, time is money and a one-stop-shop that has a large product selection is incredibly helpful.
Give yourself time.
Consider the manual labor involved in making spaces more useful on your production floor and your warehouse floors more functional. Rolling out new procedures require a lot of time – and resources. Knowing industry best practices and having access to the most durable product selections will help you.
Track your progress.
Monitor results and track effects while maintaining a 5S system long-term. Audit, audit again, and audit some more. Keeping track of your 5S practices is imperative to the growth of the program. Monitoring every process you’ve implemented – failures or successes – will help you continue to sustain 5S.
Bonus tip:
Keep into account the time spent during implementation when calculating the total cost. Your time is valuable so keep a clear log.
Hiring a 5S Consultant
Do you know what all experts have in common? They’ve spent countless years getting it all wrong, until one day they finally get it right and their processes are forever changed. A 5S consultant is an expert in their field. They’ve learned what works, what doesn’t, and how to sustain 5S principles in a variety of industries. 5S consultants have made enough mistakes to tell you what to do and what not to do. And you already know that wasting more time wearing many hats can be counterproductive and exhausting.
5S consultants require more initial funding and cost to use. But the overall costs are easily justified by the overall improvements to profitability, productivity, quality and efficiency that are gained as a result.
So, what does a 5S consultant do?
Every 5S consultant offers a varied range of services from planning through to execution. Your goal should be to find a consultant that is willing to get you well on your way to optimum workplace management. Find a 5S expert that will conduct a robust and thorough analysis of your workplace to unlock success and eliminate waste.
Look for a 5S coach that offers services outside of traditional consultation and aided implementation such as:
- Online video call training
- Recurring meetings for teaching and updates
- Live coaching program.
There isn’t a one size fits all approach to 5S training. Just like all businesses are different, 5S training options should be unique to your business, too. When you’re ready to commit to growing your company in a more organized, efficient, and safer way, it is the most efficient and cost-effective overall to hire a consultant.
Wait! Can you trust a 5S consultant?
Remember, when you look for a 5S expert, not all consultants are created equally. Anyone can claim to be an expert but previous work experience and referrals from trusted connections will authenticate the true experts.
If you’ve ever stopped at the World’s Greatest Café in the middle of nowhere to try the famous burger, you get the picture. The terrible belly ache from eating a soggy gross burger made you question where the claim of serving the famous burger came from. Who in the world said they’re the greatest or an expert in the field, anyway?
Before hiring a 5S consultant, always do your research to avoid the bellyache. Read reviews, Google the company, check out LinkedIn, explore the services on their website, ask other companies for referrals, read their books, etc. Consider all sources of information before you hire a 5S consultant.
The 5S Store can offer you trusted 5S consultation services.
David Visco, the president of The 5S Store, is a well-known and successful 5S implementation consultant and coach. With over 30 years of operations, warehousing, inventory management, and manufacturing experience in the distribution, medical device, biopharmaceutical, and the electronics industries, his experience in 5S can help your business succeed, too.
The 5S Store Consulting Services Include:
The 5S Store has grown to be the leading provider of 5S / visual management supplies and custom point of use solutions. We have also added a full-service on-site consulting division. Whether you just need a little help or a lot of help, the 5S Store has a 5S Assessment Program designed to get you well on your way to optimum workplace management. Our services include:
- 5S on-site training and plant level program design/installation
- Stockroom design and efficiency improvement services
- Kaizen events
- Production Work Flow Improvements
- Production Process Preparation (3P) Workshops
- Value Stream Mapping (manufacturing and office)
- Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (PFMEA)
- Cell design / factory design
- Experiential workforce training through Train–Do–Learn-Train–Do–Learn events
- Train-the-Trainer mentoring programs which develop your own in-house lean facilitators
Unlike typical lean consultants, we can roll up our sleeves and work side-by-side with your employees to facilitate practical changes that produce lasting innovations and empower teams to win.
However, maybe you need a virtual coach. We can help you stay accountable or review processes like your red tag efforts. It’s easy to find a program designed specifically for your needs.
“I’ve worked with consultants in the past. With The 5S Store consultants, we accomplished so much in just a few days. The energy from The 5S Store trainer was like nothing I’ve seen before”. Matt P – Kraft Foods.
The 5S Store has achieved steady growth throughout its history by focusing on customers’ needs and enhancing our ability to quickly provide solutions that maximize return on investments. Our consulting staff focuses to improve the profitability, productivity, quality and efficiency of your business. Collectively, we have more than 100 years of process improvement experience.
So what is right for you?
Should you hire a consultant or implement a program yourself?
If your mind is swimming at this point, evaluate your resources. Take into account how much time, funding, and learning you are willing to allocate to this project. If you don’t have the time or understanding, clearly you should hire a 5S consultant or coach. If you have a complete understanding of the 5S topic and have the resources and best practices, a “self-implementation” could be your best bet.
What if you have the time and resources necessary for implementation, but don’t fully understand 5S? Don’t tackle 5S on your own if you’re unsure how it’ll fit into your company or how to properly implement it. For clarity, hire a 5S consultant or coach to walk you through the entire process. It is a practical choice for your company. After all, why waste time trying to figure out 5S on your own when you can have a 5S coach assist you.
Contact the5SStore.com for any questions or help you might need and we can steer you in the right direction. Our focus to help you be successful as you start sustaining 5S. We offer 5S On-Site Assessment Services and many consulting services that are effective for your business