What does 3S mean in Manufacturing?

Sort, Straighten, Sweep

The basics of good housekeeping in factories. Also known as the Three "S" or "3-S activities." The origins of 3S are the Japanese terms "seiri" (Sort, or organize), "seiton" (Straighten, or make orderly), and "seisou" (Sweep, or clean up). Alternative English versions include Sort/Store/Sweep and Sort/Streamline/Shine. However, the third "S" implies not just removing dirt but also cleaning up oil spills for safety and discarding unused materials safely. There are also "4S" and "5S" concepts or programs for manufacturing operations, which add the principles of "seiketsu" (cleanliness, "Sustained" at a high level, often through Standardization), and "shitsuke" (Self-discipline among employees to follow the "good housekeeping" rules for safety and quality).

Miscellaneous » Manufacturing