What is the final phase of 5S?

The final phase of the 5S methodology is "Sustain." This phase is crucial because it focuses on maintaining and continuously improving the standards established in the previous phases. The goal of the Sustain phase is to embed the 5S practices into the culture of the organization, ensuring that the progress made is not just a one-time effort but a continual part of daily operations.

In this phase, teams work on strategies to make 5S a habitual part of the workplace. This might include regular audits, training sessions, visual cues, and leadership commitment. By sustaining the improvements, organizations ensure that they do not revert to their old habits, fostering an environment of continuous improvement. This emphasis on culture and habit is what truly defines the effectiveness of the 5S system in the long term.