Six Sigma Black Belt Certified Practice Exam

To increase process stability when dealing with a cluttered work station, which technique would be most effective?

1. 5S

2. SMED

3. Preventive maintenance

4. Visual factory

The correct answer is: 5S

Implementing the 5S methodology is a highly effective choice for increasing process stability in a cluttered workstation. 5S stands for Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. This technique focuses on organizing and managing the workspace and workflow effectively. The primary aim of 5S is to create a clean and organized environment that promotes efficiency and productivity. By sorting and removing unnecessary items, creating designated locations for tools and materials (Set in order), and keeping the workspace clean (Shine), it helps minimize distractions and hazards that can lead to errors and inefficiencies. Standardization ensures that work practices are consistent, which contributes to process stability. Finally, sustaining these standards encourages a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. While SMED (Single-Minute Exchange of Die) focuses on reducing setup times to improve production efficiency, it does not directly address workspace organization and stability. Preventive maintenance emphasizes maintaining equipment to avoid breakdowns but doesn't inherently deal with workspace organization. The visual factory concept aids in communication and understanding of processes through visual cues, but it may not resolve the clutter that affects stability. Therefore, 5S stands out as the most comprehensive approach to address both clutter and process stability effectively.