Evaluating impact of 5S implementation on business performance

Purpose The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate the contributions of 5S implementation in the Indian manufacturing industries and its impact on the enhancement of their business performance. Design/methodology/approach The research study has been accomplished in the large number of manufacturing organizations that have successfully imbibed the 5S technique or are in the process of implementing 5S initiatives alone or along with other lean manufacturing practices. An elaborated “5S Questionnaire” has been designed to determine the contextual factors and their impact on the enhancement of business performance. Findings The results reveal that the majority of organizations have shown total commitment toward the implementation and objective realization of 5S quality policy at all levels in the organizations. The implementation of 5S has facilitated manufacturing organizations to accrue significant benefits such as improvement in overall organizational, productivity, quality, safety, employee morale values, effective workspace utilization, and cost optimizations. The results also show the elimination of serious chronic manufacturing system problems such as delays, breakdown, demoralized employees, declining profits, and dissatisfied customers through holistic 5S implementation. Research limitations/implications The limitation of the study is that it encompasses only the manufacturing organizations, while a similar study can also be conducted in services sector also. Originality/value The study highlights the detailed contributions of 5S principles in the development of manufacturing organizations and its impact on the enhancement of business performance for remaining competitive in global market world.