At Screentec, quality and efficiency are the essence of everything we do. By following the powerful system of 6S – Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain, and Safety – we create an efficient, organized, and safe work environment that drives our success. In this article, we will take a closer look at how our 6S practices make our manufacturing smoother and help us maintain our reputation for quality.
At Screentec, our value chain is made up of several key steps, including design, material sourcing, manufacturing, assembly, quality control, and distribution. Each stage is connected, and how well we handle each step directly affects the final product’s quality and reliability. As Petri Huhti, production director at Screentec, puts it: “The 6S methodology is at the core of our production process. By maintaining an organized and efficient workspace, we not only improve our productivity but also ensure that every product meets the highest standards of quality. It’s this dedication to 6S that allows us to deliver consistent value to our customers.”
1. Sort: Streamlining Our Workspace
At Screentec, sorting is the first step toward a more efficient workplace. We review and categorize tools, materials, and equipment to distinguish what is necessary from what is not. By removing unnecessary items, we minimize clutter and ensure that only essential resources are readily accessible. This streamlined approach not only enhances workflow but also reduces time wasted searching for items, allowing our team to focus on what truly matters.
2. Set in Order: Organizing for Optimal Efficiency
Once sorting is complete, we move on to setting things in order. At Screentec, this means arranging tools, materials, and equipment in a way that promotes smooth and efficient workflows. Everything has its designated place, clearly labeled and easily accessible.
3. Shine: Maintaining Cleanliness and Order
Regular cleaning and maintenance are integral to our 6S practices. At Screentec, we enforce daily cleaning routines to keep our work environment neat and equipment in optimal condition. This not only ensures a pleasant and safe workplace but also helps us spot potential issues before they escalate. A clean environment fosters a culture of professionalism and attention to detail, which translates into higher-quality products and more reliable operations.
4. Standardize: Ensuring Consistency
Consistency is key to maintaining high standards of quality. Screentec achieves this through standardization. We develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures that outline best practices for every task. By ensuring regular training, we foster a culture of consistency and continuous improvement. This reduces variability in work practices, leading to higher productivity and fewer errors. Key focus areas include:
😷 Use of Selected Protective Equipment: Ensuring that all employees consistently use the appropriate protective gear is critical to maintaining safety.
📝 Risk Management: A structured approach to risk management is essential for maintaining a safe work environment. By identifying potential risks and implementing measures to mitigate them, we create a safer workplace that minimizes accidents and injuries. Our employees are encouraged to follow these protocols to minimize unnecessary risks.
💡Ideas for Productivity and Safety: We actively encourage employees to contribute ideas that can enhance productivity or improve safety. This culture of continuous improvement is reinforced by the Sustain principle, which promotes ongoing adherence to best practices and the integration of new, effective strategies.
5. Sustain: Fostering a Culture of Continuous Improvement
Sustainability in 6S is about more than just maintaining systems—it’s about continuous improvement. At Screentec, we actively engage our employees in sustaining 6S practices through regular reviews and feedback. We encourage a culture of ongoing learning and adaptation, where every team member is committed to refining our processes. This proactive approach ensures that our 6S practices evolve to meet new challenges and opportunities, driving long-term success.
6. Safety: Prioritizing a Safe Work Environment
Safety is a cornerstone of our 6S approach. By integrating safety into each element of the 6S methodology, Screentec ensures that our workplace is not only efficient but also 100% secure. We adhere to strict safety protocols and regularly review our practices to identify and mitigate potential hazards. A safe work environment is crucial for protecting our employees and maintaining operational continuity.
6S helps us eliminate waste, enhance productivity, and ensure a safe work environment, which in turn boosts product quality and operational efficiency.
The Impact of 6S on Quality and Productivity
Implementing 6S at Screentec has had a profound impact on both our quality and productivity. By streamlining our processes and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we’ve significantly reduced errors, minimized downtime, and increased employee efficiency. By committing to 6S we ensure that we deliver consistently high-quality products that meet and exceed customer expectations.
“Initially, it began as a 6S project, but now it has become one of the primary processes at the facility. It is a vital part of our daily operations, with a very positive impact. As we always emphasize, every Screentec employee has the right to return home each day in great shape, both physically and mentally. This approach allows us, as management, to expect them to return to work tomorrow with a positive attitude to serve our customers”, Huhti concludes.