Seiri

What does Seiri mean?

Seiri is a Japanese term, translated as "sort" in English. It is one of the five principles of the 5S methodology, a set of lean manufacturing practices designed to improve workplace efficiency, safety, and quality.

The 5S methodology comprises five steps, each represented by a Japanese word starting with the letter "S":

• Seiri (Sort),
• Seiton (Set in Order),
• Seiso (Shine),
• Seiketsu (Standardize),
• Shitsuke (Sustain).

In the context of 5S, Seiri specifically refers to the first step, which involves sorting all items in the workplace and eliminating unnecessary ones. The goal of Seiri is to create a more organized and efficient workspace, retaining only essential items.

Seiri involves several steps:

• Identifying all items in the workplace: The first step is to identify all items in the workspace and categorize them as necessary or unnecessary.
• Separating unnecessary items: The next step is to separate unnecessary items from the necessary ones. Unnecessary items may include broken tools, outdated equipment, or surplus inventory.
• Disposing or relocating unnecessary items: Once unnecessary items have been identified, they can be disposed of, recycled, or relocated to storage or another area outside the workspace.
• Organizing necessary items: The final step is to organize necessary items for easy access. This may involve grouping similar items, labeling storage locations, or arranging tools and equipment for quick access. By implementing Seiri, organizations can improve workplace efficiency, reduce waste, and create a safer and more organized working environment.

It is essential to consider that applying Seiri involves not just removing unnecessary items from the workspace but also identifying and addressing the root causes of waste. Through careful analysis of each item in the workspace and determining its purpose, organizations can identify inefficiencies in their processes and implement improvements that go beyond simple workspace cleanup.

Moreover, Seiri is not a one-time event but rather a recurring process of continuous improvement. Regularly performing Seiri activities can help organizations maintain an organized workspace, prevent clutter buildup, and identify opportunities for further improvement.

Another significant aspect of Seiri is its potential to enhance workplace safety. By removing unnecessary items from the workspace, organizations can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by clutter and obstructions. This can lead to a safer work environment and fewer lost workdays due to injuries.

Recommended training:

Training name	Training duration	Venue	Price	The nearest date
5S (7S) – Japanese concept of workplace improvement	1 day (8:00 - 14:00)	Online	450,00 € 540,00 € VAT included	06.02.2025 + 3
LEAN Management	2 days (8:00 - 14:00)	Online	810,00 € 972,00 € VAT included	25.03.2025 - 26.03.2025 + 3
5S - Practical workshop	1 day	Company in-house training	On request	According to you
Japanese methods of improvement according to TPS (Toyota Production System)	1 day	Company in-house training	On request	According to you