RISM’s 5S Certification

RISM received the good news on 14 March 2012 that it had eventually been successful in the implementation of the 5S system and had been awarded the certification by the Malaysia Productivity Corporation. This certification was issued after auditing on the implementation of the system had been made by them on 17 February 2012. The certification itself was a recognition that RISM had fulfilled the set standards and it would be valid for a period of one year, i.e. from 17 February 2012 until 16 February 2013.

5S is the name of a management technique or tool that uses five Japanese words, which when translated means Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain.  It is actually a basic and fundamental systematic approach for the eventual outcome of quality and safe working environment as well as improved productivity, which would be suitable for most, if not for all businesses.  The system focuses on establishing a quality environment in the organization, ensuring adherence to standards and in the process, fosters the spirit of continual improvement. The program itself emphasises on having visual order, organization, cleanliness and standardization.  Among others, we can expect improved discipline and efficiency from the program. Actually, the underlying principles are simple, obvious common sense but until the advent of the program, these principles were conveniently ignored by us all.

The implementation of 5S, as part of the programme to improve RISM’s Secretariat, has been one of the targets that I’d earlier set for RISM.  There certainly is a lot of push involved before it finally gets going and subsequently the successful certification, after more than 6 months of preparation and implementation.  What would now be physically evident as the outcome are the cleanliness, orderliness and a more organised RISM office. I have to congratulate all staffs of RISM for their achievement, which without doubt involves some initial hard physical work in cleaning-up and putting things in order. Although there could be initial grouses in its implementation, but I believe at the end of it all, they were pleased with what they have done. 

My hope, and this had been regularly informed to all RISM staff, is that the implemented system will be maintained.  And this probably is among the difficult part because it involves discipline and the inculcation of good habits to ensure its sustenance!