Efficiency and productivity are the keys to a successful business, but achieving them is often easier said than done. Using methods like the 5S audit can help improve safety, reduce waste, and encourage ongoing improvement in your organization.

Read on and uncover how a 5S audit scorecard can not only enhance your workspace's organization but also significantly contribute to your business growth.

What is a 5S Audit Scorecard?

A 5S audit scorecard is a practical tool designed to evaluate your organization's 5S implementation efforts. For each step, you can assign a score, enabling you to measure performance and identify areas that need improvement. Not only does it give a score for each part, but it also provides a median overall score. This scorecard proves invaluable for manufacturing and other industrial companies, reinforcing strong organization and quality principles that typically lead to quality outcomes and products. By downloading and utilizing this scorecard today, you can start enhancing your 5S efforts and results immediately.

How to Score a 5S Audit

A 5S audit serves as a litmus test for how effectively an organization has embraced the principles of 5S. Achieving a high score in this audit signifies a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and continuous improvement. The 5th “S” stands for Sustain (Shitsuke), which is a long term proposition that involves regular auditing and training.

Although 5S is a continuous process, the initial optimization project does much of the heavy lifting associated with workstation optimization. Standardize and Sustain are about ensuring the workstation maintains and improves productivity over time.

Who Should do the Auditing?

5S audits can be performed by a certified lean practitioner or some of our customers deploy a peer-to-peer evaluation process.

Certified lean practitioners will execute better audits because they have more experience with identifying opportunities and removing efficiency barriers.

However, peer-to-peer processes have the advantage of getting frontline staff and supervisors more involved in the 5S auditing process, which increases engagement and the likelihood of long term program success.

Best practice is to start with more experienced practitioners executing the audits and training as they do it. Over time, more operators can be included in the auditing schedule.

Compare to Photos

We recommend taking photos of the optimized workstation after the initial workstation optimization process is completed (the first 3 Ss).

At the beginning of the audit the auditor should review the workstation photos to familiarize themselves with how the workstation should look and operate.

Also, documenting the current state of the workstation with photos is a great way to “tell the story” quickly, especially in the event of audit failure.

Learn more: The value of photo capture

Don't Use Too Many Audit Templates

We recommend using one standard audit template that is augmented with a document or information pertaining to the specific workstation. Each audit contains the same questions that are “Passed” or “Failed” by the auditor. This process makes the auditing process faster and simplifies reporting.

Learn more: View Our 5S Reporting Template

Learn more: View Our 5S Auditing Template

The 5S Audit "Pass/Fail" elements

We recommend breaking the audit “Pass/Fail” elements into each individual “S”. You can download this as a free template here. You can also view the Weever 5S use case template here.

1. Sort (Seiri): Declutter

Is the area is free of unnecessary or aged clutter or debris?
Is there any obsolete or unneeded paperwork in Work Area? Expired quality alerts, outdated data

2. Set in Order (Seiton): A Place for Everything

Locations for tools, equipment, paperwork, furniture, and materials are clearly marked and labeled and stowed properly when not in use
Are there required things that are NOT in their specified location? Check for stock / trolleys and equipment that are out of footprint / location.
Abnormal or NOT OKAY conditions are easily identified from OKAY flow, process, and conditions. Stop switches, breakers, and emergency equipment are highly visible and located for easy access in case of emergency

3. Shine (Seiso): Cleanliness Breeds Productivity

Is the overall area clean and tidy? Check the machinery for contamination (dust / dirt). Are the floors clear of debris? Is the general appearance of the area acceptable?
Trash and cardboard bins being used properly, no trash laying around, cardboard being put in cardboard bins.
Are painted areas in good condition? Check: walls / floors / machinery / equipment.
All cleaning materials and supplies are properly stored and readily available. Cleaning schedule including frequency and responsibilities displayed and maintained in work area.

4. Standardize (Seiketsu): Consistency is Key

All improvement actions from previous audit are addressed
Is the Visual Standard of ideal condition up to date? Check when the standard was last reviewed. Has there been any changes to an area that would effect the standard?
All charts and metrics in the area are current and complete - Example: Safety/Quality / Scrap/Production/Output

5. Sustain (Shitsuke): Cultivate a Habit of Excellence

6S activities are resourced with time and materials needed
Is there progress being made in the area? Or are the standards in the area being maintained? Progress should be seen in areas that have had open issues raised in previous audit. If the area is consistently at the required score are they maintained.
Recognition is given to teams that demonstrate 6S excellence, compliance, or improvement

Putting It All Together: Aiming for a Perfect 5S Score

Scoring a 5S audit isn't just about achieving excellence in each individual "S." It's about creating a holistic and transformative approach to workplace organization and culture. By implementing the 5S principles, you're not only setting your organization up for success but also fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation. Weever automatically scores 5S audits and provides next steps based on the rules set up by the program administrator.

Learn more: Weever 5S Audit Scoring

FAQ – 5S Audit Scorecard

What is a 5S Audit Score?

A 5S audit score is a number that shows how well a place of work follows the 5S rules - Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. A higher score means a better organized and safer workplace.

How Do You Score and Audit The 5S Exercise?

To score a 5S exercise, you need to check the workplace based on the five S's. You look at each "S" separately, and add the results together for a total score. Scoring is not just about checking off items—it's all about finding places to improve.

What is 5S Audit Methodology?

The 5S audit methodology is a step-by-step way to check if a workplace follows the 5S rules. This often involves using a checklist or scorecard to look at different parts of the workplace, like organization, cleanliness, and efficiency. The aim is to find places where the 5S rules can be used better to increase productivity and safety.

How Do You Write a 5S Audit Report?

When you write a 5S audit report, you write down what you found in your 5S audit. Start by explaining how the workplace looks now, and include pictures if you can. Then, analyze each "S," noting what works well and what needs to get better. Lastly, give clear steps for improving the use of the 5S rules in the future.