There are methods for structuring one’s everyday life, but also one’s working day. One very helpful approach is the 5S method, which originated in Japan:
The five “S” stand for:
- Sort
- Set in Order
- Shine
- Standardize
- Self-discipline
Implementing these “5S” in the craftsman is quickly done with a simple instruction:
1. Sort (out)
Who likes to throw away things that could possibly be used again – it’s not easy! But if you consider what it costs to carry material in the hold of your vehicle that is never needed, it is easier to part with it. This is because it takes up space in the load compartment of a vehicle and blocks valuable space in a vehicle interior. In addition, it makes the van’s load compartment become cluttered, and it will gradually lose its value.
Therefore, the first advice is:
Completely clear out the vehicle’s load compartment once and sort all materials. Tools carried twice should remain in the workshop, unused material can be disposed of and all other consumables and tools should be sorted according to their purpose (assembly, installation, service,…).
Profit:
- In combination with a van racking, an optimal overview is gained in the cargo space
- Storage space is created in any case, with or without in-vehicle equipment.
- Working time is saved because search times are automatically reduced.
- Cash money, because every kilo saved reduces fuel consumption.
2. Set in order
After a good sorting out, it is important to proceed systematically when putting away the load compartment together with the in-vehicle equipment.
First of all, the user of the vehicle should think about which tools are needed on a daily basis. These should be stored near the rear or side door so that only quick movements are needed to take the right materials from the van racking. It also makes sense to store these materials and tools in BOXXes so that they just have to be grabbed and can be systematically transported to the place of use. Materials that are not used so often find their place in the van racking at a slightly further distance from the doors.
Profit:
- Health of the employees due to better ergonomics and less “bending time” in the vehicle.
- Employee satisfaction due to uncomplicated procedures.
- Reduction in the risk of accidents and increase in occupational safety when everything is systematically stored and secured in the van rack.
- Professional impression on the customer because both the employees have a more positive aura due to their satisfaction and the customers see that the vehicle is structured and that this impression is transferred to the service.
3. Shine
A not universally popular activity is cleaning the vehicle and especially the cargo area. But continuous basic cleaning means that time-consuming cleaning operations are no longer necessary. Van rackings help vehicle users to keep a basic order and at the same time motivate them to continuously keep the cargo area clean.
Profit:
- Good impression with customers – the vehicle serves as a figurehead.
- Careful handling of tools by employees.
- An orderly and clean van racking allows missing materials to be identified immediately, so that forgetting them at the place of use is avoided. Damaged tools can also be quickly identified, sorted out and replaced.
4. Standardisation
Standards and rules help the employees to keep the order that has already been created. These can be made visible by, for example, labelling on the shelves in the transporter. In this way, every employee can see at first glance which materials and tools are to be taken from where and which are to be put away again. Another aid is the use of colours on the labels. For example, tools are marked in blue, spare parts in yellow and consumables in green. In this way, everyone can set their own standards for the company or vehicle.
- Avoiding search times
- Facilitating the use of vehicles by several employees
5. Self-discipline
The consistent application of the preceding points enables permanent order in every load compartment of a commercial vehicle. Of course, the rules must be internalised and lived by all employees. However, employees should also be asked whether the systematisation fits into their everyday work. Standards may also be questioned and optimised at any time. The 100 per cent solution will not be found immediately. The advantages of the 5S method will very soon have positive effects on the entire daily work routine. Motivation for the employees can come in the form of small bonus payments if order is maintained and suggestions for improvement are made regarding order in the vehicle. Because it is certain that this self-discipline saves cash for the company.
Leave a Comment