Attain success with 5S

by Lt. Col. Mike Mormon
906 Air Refueling Squadron, Director of Operations

4/1/2015 - SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- As warmer temperatures bring signs of spring and new growth, you can bring new life and improved efficiency to your work center with the Air Force Smart Operations 5S tool. More than a one-time spring clean, this tool helps us target clutter and waste, increase efficiency, and sustain a culture of lean operations. The 5 S's stand for sort, straighten, shine, standardize and sustain.

Headquarters Air Mobility Command Airmen are embarking on a 5S journey from April 6 to May 8, 2015. Designated POCs within each directorate will use 5S tools to target excess inventory, non-standard processes, and transportation.

Specially trained Lean Green Belt individuals are working with AMC's office of Air Force Smart Operations to lead process improvements during this seventh annual 5S focus effort. The goal is to ultimately create a paradigm shift toward a lean culture and inspire innovation throughout the entire year.

In addition to process improvements, a virtual flea market has been established on Milbook at: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/scott-afb-supply-cycl.  Scott Air Force Base military members and civilian employees can use this site to request or post non-accountable office supplies and furniture available for official use.

The 375th Air Mobility Wing is providing an electronic recycling and paper shredding service April 22 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Anyone with access to the base may use the trucks.

Although this year's 5S event is concentrated on the AMC staff, every organization feels the stress of fiscal constraints. Challenge yourself and others in your organization to participate in 5S and see how you too can "Attain Success with 5S!"