DIAM Southfield: 5S Initiative – What we’re doing & Why

In July we communicated plans for a 5S Cleaning Standard and Schedule. We are now moving forward and want to better explain what this means and why we’re doing this.

What is the DIAM 5S Initiative?

Campus Operations is scheduling dates/times for each department to come on-site to do a thorough clean out and inventory of their personal desk area, team common areas, team labs and storage areas. Click here for a definition of “5S method”.

Why are we 5Sing?

5S efforts will happen in phases to help us achieve the following:

Short-term:  

• Cleanliness: Less clutter allows us to conduct thorough routine cleaning, and prepare to disinfect should we have any concerns with COVID-19 exposure on-site.
• Efficiency: Less clutter allows for quicker access to priority items needed for daily work.
• Centralized storage: Easier, quicker access to shared resources (company information, equipment and materials)

Long-term:

• Digital workplace: Less paper allows for quicker access to data, decreased carbon footprint, data retention/backups, reduced storage costs, and adherence to audit requirements.
• Secure information: Centralized, digital storage of company information, contracts, projects, etc. better secures and protects our company assets, and reduces loss of knowledge/access.
• Work reform: We now have an opportunity to reconsider our campus layout to better meet our short-term needs during COVID-19, and long-term needs as we transform how we collaborate, communicate and get things done. As we’ve learned, many associates can work from anywhere, while others need access to specific labs, materials, and equipment on-site. Our goal is make the DIAM Southfield campus a place where associates can safely come together to collaborate, as well as have access to proper space and equipment to work comfortably and efficiently.

We can only achieve these short- and long-term goals by starting with a clean slate – a complete 5S cleaning.

Phase 1 of DIAM 5S: Sort items to retain, return and rid

• If you work from home 100%, we ask that you remove all personal items (pictures, fans, plants, etc.) as it may be a while before you’re back in the office.
• If you always or sometimes work from the company, we ask that you remove most of your personal items.
• Shared department items, such as plants, should go home with an associate. DENSO is no longer watering plants.
• Remove all non-essential items (items not needed weekly) from work surfaces and the floor, including space under the desk.
• Dispose of old papers, test items, samples that are no longer needed.
• Put into storage any items that must be kept, but are rarely needed.
• Identify and sort company information, equipment and materials that should be stored centrally. Work with your team to make an inventory list of items and classify as routinely used, moderately used, seldom used or obsolete.

Click here for visual examples of desks, personal items to be removed, items to be stored, and more. Some associates/groups may have conducted an initial 5S a few months ago; however, more 5S is needed in order to achieve the clean slate we want. We appreciate your ongoing support to help us get there!

Next Phases:

• Phase 2 will focus on finding a place for everything. In this phase, Campus Operations will work with Department Leadership to establish central storage for company information, materials and equipment based on the inventory items and classifications above (routinely used, moderately used, seldom used or obsolete).
• Phase 3 will focus on standardization. Campus Operations will work with groups to standardize storage racking, tools, and equipment storage, as well as layout standards.

More information on these phases and timelines to come.

Questions & Support:

• Keep an eye out for emails from Campus Operations teamwith details on your 5S dates and instructions.
• Managers: Work with Campus Operations (Dave Cooper or Mark Trudeau) on centralized storage solutions and needs.
• If you have any questions, contact Campus Operations: Mark Trudeau(248-388-4056), or Dave Cooper (248-941-5078).