My monthly newsletter’s theme is “Integrating Lean and Quality.” I call it this because there seems to be somewhat of a common understanding and acceptance that lean and quality have no relationship to each other. 5S is an example of a process that transcends, or should transcend, this misdirected thought. Any quality professional that is not aware of the 5S process is missing out on a great opportunity to improve quality within their organization by employing the tool, and the philosophy, of 5S.

Many of you who have read my columns know that what I try to preach and get company professionals to understand is the importance of lean principles over lean tools. So much of lean in America focuses on transformation through the implementation of tools rather than the deep understanding of lean principles and the creation of a lean culture based on respect of the individual and continuous improvement. Without management transformation and knowledge gain of these lean principles, any improvements made through the use of lean tools will not be sustained.

 …