1. IP Track Engineering & Innovation 2017 Share With Pride Story Contracting – Our 5S Journey

2. Story Contracting – Our 5S Journey
In 2015, Story Contracting constructed a new purpose-built stores building to support the growth of its tool and equipment hire and supply division of the business. The new building was a state-of-the-art premises but little thought had been given to the layout of the building when the stock was moved from the old stores to the new location.
To rectify this, we implemented a process called 5S which is a six-sigma related programme developed initially by Toyota to improve workflow and eliminate waste. 5S reduces waste and optimises productivity through maintaining an orderly workplace and using visual cues to achieve more consistent operational results.
5S is about getting the right things to the right place, at the right time, in the right quantities, while minimising waste and being flexible and open to change. It encourages employees to improve their working conditions and helps them to learn to reduce waste, unplanned downtime, and in-process inventory.
All the 5S work was done by the Stores staff, no external contractors were used

3. The 5Ss
The 5Ss are:-
A typical 5S implementation results in significant reductions in the space needed for existing operations and results in the organisation of tools and materials into labelled and colour-coded storage locations, as well as "kits" that contain just what is needed to perform a task
5S provides the foundation on which other lean methods, such as TPM, cellular manufacturing, just-in-time production, and six sigma can be introduced.

4. Before Pictures

5. After Pictures

6. Above all, it allows us to provide a better service to our customers
The Benefits
The key theme is…..a place for everything and everything in its place
Using this theme allows:-
Increased Reliability – Risk of contamination reduced
Staff to find any part, tool or document within 30 seconds using visual management and an organised work space
A safe workplace through the reduction of manual handling, trip hazards and working at height
Increased efficiency & productivity – the most-used parts and tools are stored closest to the delivery points reducing downtime
Reduced levels of inventory – use of a “Just in Time” parts order process
Above all, it allows us to provide a better service to our customers
Our next 5S target will be the parts stores, new workshop we are planning to build and our mobile fitters van.