To augment our continuous improvement efforts, DuraTech Industries has created a 6-S Quality System initiative for our La Crosse facility.

The 6-S Quality System is a way to get in control and stay in control of workplace housekeeping and organization. The 6-S Quality System increases workplace efficiency and employee productivity by involving everyone in the improvement process.

At the heart of 6-S is controlling and creating strict standards in order to control and improve quality output.

Sorting – means identifying needed items from items that are simply cluttering or are unnecessary to the process.

Straightening – means physically rearranging the work area, moving office furniture and machinery around for better flow, or accessibility, etc. Straightening means making it obvious where thing belong – location of aisle ways, location of tools and equipment.

Shine – means physically cleaning and removing reasons for contamination, dust, debris, oil. etc. Shine also means establishing a regular cleaning and Preventive Maintenance schedule, and a checklist of what to look do as cleaning is performed.

Standardizing – means to implement a universal way to perform the task or work. There’s no deviation, everyone does it the same. Then we document the standard, creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) so we don’t have to rely on tribal knowledge. These standards can change later, but everyone has to agree to the new change, AND the change has to be quantified, in other words, proven to be better using supporting data!

Sustaining – means developing communication strategies and getting everyone involved while implementing daily auditing through daily workplace observation and displaying the daily scan diagnostic in a public place for all to see. Sustaining determines the methods your team will use to maintain adherence to the standards. This part is also critical to behavioral modification! Finally, sustaining means discipline. Everyone must agree to abide by the strict standards or 6-S won’t work!

Safety – means creating and maintaining a safe work environment and harassment-free culture, where employees regularly demonstrate safe work practices & precautions. Safety also means conducting a well-structured and regular audit of emergency procedures, including emergency evacuation plans, fire and first aid, handling of hazardous materials, including MSD’s. Safety means training and certification on electrical equipment, lifting techniques and other ergonomics, and making sure that personal safety and protective equipment are consistently worn. Safety means that aisles are well marked, unobstructed, & markings are not infringed. (ie. Pallets, equip., machines, filing cabinets, tools, or WIP are not placed outside of the markings).