The Meaning Behind the 5S Name
5S Warehouse was named, according to owner Mike Goecke, because the value of Mighty Line products for implementing 5S is so great.
5S is a philosophy that advocates using a specific methodology to organize the workplace as well as working practices. Its goals are to improve efficiency and eliminate waste as well as improving safety and morale in the workplace.
The five steps to improve efficiency are:
- Sort: Sort and categorize items and separate what is needed in the area from what is not.
- Straighten or Set in Order: Arrange items that are needed so that they are easy to locate, transport and use. Identify locations for all items so that anyone can find them. Once the task is completed, return the items to specified locations.
- Shine: Clean the workplace and equipment on a regular basis in order to increase safety, maintain standards and identify defects.
- Standardize: Revisit the first three of the 5S on a regular and frequent basis and evaluate the condition of the workplace .
- Sustain: Maintain the standard and improve every day.
Floor marking lines are most commonly implemented during the second phase of 5S. Although most plants have used yellow stripes for pedestrian walkways because of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines, the use of other colors for product, material, and machine placement has been popularized by 5S.
"I couldn't think of any other floor striping product that would work as well for marking aisleways, product storage, safety zones and other areas," he said, referring to Mighty Line.
Mighty Line earned its patent by developing a tough polyvinyl chloride (PVC) floor striping tape with rubber-based adhesive that grips the floor surface, yet is easy to remove.
5S methodology advocates continuous improvement, which frequently requires moving storage areas, pedestrian aisles, and vehicle paths for maximum efficiency. Mighty Line tape can be applied and removed quickly, yet is bright and durable.
Paint can't quickly be removed and reapplied. Even when faded, scuffed or dirty, removal and reapplication take time and effort.
Although OSHA doesn't require specific colors for specific areas, the industry has developed a color coding system.
5S Warehouse carries safety floor tape in industry-standard colors as well as stripes and chevrons.
Goecke pointed out that Mighty Line introduced tape widths as wide as six inches because the wide tape can be applied over faded paint lines without the scrubbing and chemicals required for paint removal.
Just as 5S methodology advocates innovation and change, 5S Warehouse works closely with Mighty Line to offer original products to meet the needs of customers.
Goecke recalled one customer who requested large footprints, although Mighty Line only produced small ones. He researched the benefits of the larger product, then spoke directly with the CEO of Mighty Line. The customer got his large footprints, and now they're a staple in the 5S Warehouse catalog.
"I made the decision to carry only Mighty Line products because they're the best — not only among all line marking products, but the best for 5S."