3S: Sort, Sweep, Standardize

Let’s dive deep into the world of 3S, the trio that can turn your chaotic workspace into a lean, mean productivity machine.

You might think this is just for manufacturing nerds, but hold onto your hats—3S is about to revolutionize your life, no matter what industry you’re in.

What on Earth is 3S?

If you’re in manufacturing, you may have heard whispers about 5S, 6S, or even the mythical 7S.

Forget all that noise.

We’re going back to basics with 3S: Sort, Sweep, and Standardize.

These aren’t just steps; they’re a lifestyle. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Sort – Marie Kondo Your Workspace

First things first: get rid of the junk.

This applies to everything: your physical spaces, your digital spaces, and your mental space.

Sort through everything in your workspace and ditch what you don’t need.

Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing your life, but instead of sparking joy, we’re sparking productivity.

The Why

Clutter is the enemy of efficiency. The more junk you have, the harder it is to find what you actually need.

The How

Start with one area. Go through each item and ask, “Do I need this to do this job?” If the answer is no, it’s outta here.

Step 2: Sweep – Clean Up Your Act

Next up, it’s time to sweep.

But this isn’t just about making things look pretty.

When we say sweep, we mean clean to inspect.

You’re looking for problems, not just dust bunnies.

The Why

A clean workspace isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about spotting issues before they become big problems.

The How

Get in there and clean every nook and cranny. As you do, look for anything that’s out of place, damaged, or just plain weird.

Step 3: Standardize – Keep the Chaos at Bay

Last but not least, we standardize.

This is where the magic happens.

Standardizing means creating systems and processes to keep your workspace effective and efficient for the long-term.

The Why

Without standards, you’ll just end up back where you started—buried under a mountain of stuff.

The How

Create a place for everything and make sure everything stays in its place. Label things, use color codes, do whatever it takes to make it idiot-proof.

Lean is Not Just Clean

Let’s clear up a common misconception: lean isn’t just about cleanliness.

Sure, a tidy space is part of it, but lean is fundamentally about efficiency and adding value to the customer.

When we sweep, we’re not merely cleaning; we’re inspecting to find and fix issues, making our processes more efficient and reliable.

The Power of 3S

The real magic happens when 3S becomes a daily routine.

Every morning, before work begins, dedicate 30 minutes to 3S.

Initially, it will seem like a waste of time—”how can we afford to stop production for 30 minutes each day?”

But the benefits far outweigh the costs.

By starting the day with an improvement mindset, you’ll constantly be looking for ways to enhance your processes.

Improvement Mindset

When you start your day with 3S, you prime your brain for continuous improvement.

Small improvements lead to bigger ones, creating a domino effect that can transform your organization.

This “Improvement Momentum” is crucial for fostering a culture where everyone is empowered to find and fix inefficiencies.

3S in the Digital World

Guess what? 3S isn’t just for your physical workspace.

You can apply these principles to your digital life too.

Let’s get those screens under control.

Sort: Delete the Digital Junk

Start by sorting out your files. Delete anything you don’t need. If it’s not serving a purpose, it’s just cluttering up your digital space.

Sweep: Clean and Organize

Next, clean up your folders and emails. This isn’t just about deleting files. You need to organize what’s left so you can find it when you need it. Create folders, label them clearly, and use a consistent naming convention.

Standardize: Create a System

Finally, standardize your digital workspace. Set up rules for how you save and store files. Make sure everyone on your team knows and follows these rules. The goal is to make it easy to find what you need, when you need it.

The Role of Lean Leaders

As lean leaders, our job isn’t just to make improvements but to improve the process of making improvements.

We provide the fertile soil for ideas to grow, ensuring our team has the tools and support they need to implement 3S effectively.

Customer Value

When every employee is engaged in 3S, the whole company benefits.

We can respond to customer needs more quickly and efficiently because we know where everything is and have the tools we need at our fingertips.

The Power of Standardization

The beauty of 3S is in the standardization.

It’s the backbone that prevents you from sliding back into chaos.

When done right, it saves time, reduces stress, and makes your life infinitely easier.

Real-World Examples

Want some real-world inspiration? Check out how these industries are crushing it with 3S:

Tech Startups

They use 3S to keep their codebases clean and their servers running smoothly. By regularly sorting through old code, sweeping for bugs, and standardizing their processes, they stay agile and efficient.

Creative Agencies

They apply 3S to their project management systems. By sorting through old projects, sweeping their task lists, and standardizing their workflows, they keep their teams focused and productive.

Healthcare Providers

They use 3S to keep their facilities running like clockwork. By sorting through old equipment, sweeping for potential issues, and standardizing their procedures, they provide better care to their patients.

Getting Started with 3S

If you’re new to 3S, start small.

Pick a cluttered drawer at home or at work and apply the 3S principles.

Sort out what you don’t need, clean to inspect, and standardize the remaining items.

Feel the sense of relief and clarity this brings, and you’ll be hooked on the power of 3S.

Pro-tip: listen to “2 Second Lean” by Paul Akers. This book is on repeat in my playlists.

Final Thoughts

3S is more than just a process or a tool; it’s a mindset that fosters continuous improvement and efficiency.

By embracing these principles, you can transform your workspace, enhance customer value, and create a culture of constant innovation.