Bangladeshi Rural Artisans adopt Japanese 5S Methodology

The 5S methodology is part of a Japanese system of continuous improvement called Kaizan. The five components of 5S are: Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain. The 5S method is instrumental in workspace organization ultimately leading to a clean, safe and an efficient work environment. Large manufacturing companies such as Boeing and GE have used Kaizan successfully to enhance productivity. In an effort to build the individual capacity of each artisan, 5S is among a series of initiatives that the artisans will be introduced to in coming months.

Aided by external consultants, the Aarong and AAF management prepared for the program launch by creating power-point presentations, posters and various visual aids. The launch included an interactive presentation through which the 5S methodology was communicated to a group of 52 artisans, mostly women. The consultants and management will work with the artisans at the Manikganj facility over the next few months, ensuring that they can leverage the 5S techniques and sustain them in the long-term.