The Significance of 5S Audits

As one of the core principles of kaizen, 5S is a proven system to make the workplace more efficient. However, organizations still experience little to no changes when they try to implement 5S, or it often becomes a difficult process that slows down day-to-day operations instead of optimizing them. 5S audits can help strengthen 5S initiatives by making sure that 5S principles are being followed, eliminating waste in the workplace, and increase efficiency.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place.”

How to Perform a 5S Audit Using iAuditor

A 5S audit app such as iAuditor can help frontline workers perform daily cleanups or weekly self-checks to boost 5S performance from the ground up. With iAuditor, area supervisors and site managers can also efficiently conduct monthly and quarterly 5S audits to benchmark 5S performance and improve productivity. To help you get started, follow these easy steps using the iAuditor 5S Audit App:

Before the Audit

1. Download free pre-built 5S checklists from our public library. To meet your business needs, you can customize these templates using the iAuditor 5S Audit Software template editor for free.
2. Enable the “mandatory” feature for specific inspection items so you can make sure that crucial points such as “Only required tools are present in the area, “All tripping hazards are removed from all working, standing, and working areas,” and more will not be overlooked.
3. Adjust the scoring system according to your company guidelines. The iAuditor 5S Audit App’s Checklist follows the 0-4 scale (0 – constant deviations, 4 – flawless).

During the Audit

1. Open the iAuditor 5S Audit App on your mobile device and start the inspection by reading the directions, including the scoring guidelines. Take or attach a photo of the workspace to be audited. You can also annotate photos to be more specific.
2. Create an action for constant deviations through the iAuditor 5S Audit App’s collaborative actions. For example, if “Working conditions are ergonomically friendly,” is scored 0, assign the employee in that workspace an action called, “Put anti-fatigue mats in place” with a “high” priority level and a due date .
3. Respond to real-time alerts on the iAuditor actions “command center”, and if enabled, the person assigned an action will receive a notification from the iAuditor mobile app and an email, letting them know they have an action.

After the Audit

1. Complete the 5S audit with your digital signature, and with a tap of a finger, the auto-generated report is delivered to the right people.
2. Look at the iAuditor 5S Audit Software’s analytics dashboard to spot and track patterns such as high-performing workers, most efficient workspaces, commonly deviated 5S principle, and more. Failed responses from an iAuditor 5S template allows you to regularly review leading indicators and provide visibility into areas of your operations that need improvement.
3. Continuously improve 5S performance by sharing lessons learned, encouraging best practices from model workers, and empowering your team with the iAuditor 5S Audit App.

Boost 5S Performance from the Ground Up

Adhering to 5S principles doesn’t have to be burdensome. Put the power in your team’s hands to take ownership of their workspace, safety, and wellbeing. Download the iAuditor 5S Audit App for free today.