The 5S System is a five-step lean manufacturing tool, used in the workplace to improve efficiency and eliminate waste.  

#1 - SORT:

Separate tools that are needed to get the job done and remove everything else. Sorting can
help minimize chances of cross-contamination and cross-contact by sorting food-contact and
non-food-contact items apart from each other.

#2 - SET IN ORDER:

Place all relevant tools within reach of operatives and reduce the need to be away from the
workstation. Color-coding can be introduced to keep food-contact and non-food-contact
items in separate zones and to keep allergens apart where needed. Shadow boards can be
used to give every tool a place.

#3 - SHINE:

Maintain safety and order in the workplace by keeping tools, machinery and the work area
clean. Routine cleaning within your facility can help spot leaks, cracks, or misalignments,
which can reduce the risk of equipment failure, safety hazards, and loss of productivity.

#4 - STANDARDIZE:

Create practices that will ensure maintenance of the steps you have already taken by
introducing Shadow Boards and writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The process should have a natural flow and help be more efficient.

#5 - SUSTAIN:

Stay consistent and constantly review standards with daily, periodic, and change-only checks.

Adding Visual Aides

Incorporating signs, labels, safety tapes, floor markings, and shadow boards are an effective way to visually communicate throughout a facility and maintain a successful 5S system.


Signs & Labels

Helps increase awareness and communication.
Click here to customize your safety sign.


Safety Tapes

Identify specific areas or items.


Floor Markings

Ideal for marking aisles, hazard boundaries,
and color-coded areas.


Shadow Boards

Improves safety and speeds up processes by extending
the life of equipment and eliminating missing tools.

Custom Shadow Boards

Organize your tools, supplies, equipment, and materials while providing a striking, graphical visual point-of-storage for tools. Can be designed to any size and style you require—use any color, include logos, messages, symbols, or even full-color images!

Order Today

Manufacturing Partners with Products that Support the 5S System:


Need help implementing a 5S System?

Contact our Product Specialists at [email protected], call 800-826-8302, or take our specialized survey!

Take Our Survey!

Looking For Color-Coded Products?

Our 68-page Color-Coded Catalog includes a diverse and extensive collection of color-coded products—laying the foundation for a solid food safety program! 

Features the following products to help minimize the risk of cross-contamination:

  • Material Handling
  • Product Handling
  • Janitorial
  • Safety
  • Apparel
  • QA/QC
  • Brushes
  • Metal Detectable

• View/Download the Color-Coded Catalog
• Request Printed Color-Coded Catalog