Increase Efficiency and Organization with Akro-Mils and 5S Lean

sort •5S Lean and Akro-Mils5S Lean is a methodology to improve efficienciesand enhance operational performance. By incorporatingindustry-leading products from Akro-Mils, you can easily:• Improve inventory levels• Reduce inventory cost• Create extra workspace• Improve safety• Decrease downtime• Develop controlthrough visual cuesset in order •• Boost employee moralethrough empowermentand accountability• Identify problems faster• Promote strongercommunicationamong teamsshine •stBeforeAfter

andardize • sustain +safetyConverting your workplace to 5S Lean withAkro-Mils ® products is smart business!Organizations that invest in a 5S process gainproductivity, create higher quality products andlower operating costs by simply implementing asystem of waste removal, visual identifi cationand effi cient use of space.Whether choosing bins, containers or carts fromour extensive selection, or creating a customsystem, Akro-Mils innovative products and servicesadd value at every stage of your 5S operation– improving your productivity and performance!

sortReduce-Remove-RenewSort it out! The first stepis to organize the workareas, leaving only thosetools and materialsnecessary to performdaily activities.Sort• Use Akro-Mils bins to sort and separatelike parts in small or large work spaces• Bins feature large hopper front foreasy access and faster picking• AkroBins ® are available in 14 sizesand 7 colors for total visualization• InSight Ultra-Clear Bins provide maximumvisibility and easy identifi cation of items5S Red-Tagging• Identify items that are not necessaryor used infrequently• Use Akro-Mils mobile carts and dolliesto temporarily hold and transportred-tagged items for removal

Eliminate• Remove unnecessary itemsfrom the work area• Relocate items that do not belongAkro-Mils offers a variety ofproducts to assist during thesort stage. Organizing the itemsthat you have will help to determinewhat is needed and lay thefoundation for your 5S program.800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

setEverything Has Its Placeet orderinFrequently used work stationmaterials and tools shouldbe arranged so that allneeded items are easy toget to and accessiblefor anyone to find.Organize• Work areas should be organized in a way thatmakes the most effi cient uses of shelving,racks, counter areas and fl oor space, keepingfrequently used items within reach• AkroBins ® , Shelf Bins and InSight Bins let youstore items used together close to each other• Orderliness eliminates waste in productionand clerical activitiesCreate Space• Louvered Hanging Systems from Akro-Milscreate vertical storage and help to make themost of an area• Wire and steel shelving systems createcustomized storage systems to fi t any workspace

• Akro-Mils mobile systems are versatilecenters that keep items organized andwithin reach at all timesDesignated Areas• Use bar codes, Akro-Mils adhesive labels orAkro-Mils card holders on bins or shelvingunits for accurate inventory control• Use parking spots for mobile wastereceptacles, carts, hand trucks and dolliesCreate a clutter free workspace by usingAkro-Mils products. AkroBins ® and Shelf Binsgive you the flexibility to customize storageareas through color coding. We also offer anumber of panel and rail hanging systems,steel shelving or rack systems for sortedinventory and materials.800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

shinePolish-Protect-PreventPrevent dirt fromaccumulating and developa cleaning maintenanceschedule to help protectparts and equipmentfrom dirt, dustand debris.Cleaning• Checking the condition of equipmentshould be included as a cleaning taskto help identify early warning signs ofunplanned breakdownsProtect• Store materials securely with lidsto keep items clean and protected• Easy to clean Totes and Attached LidContainers nest when empty for effi cientorganization and storage• Akro-Grids have divider options tocreate individual compartments forparts, plus optional lids• Many Akro-Mils plastic products areresistant to oils, chemicals and weak acids

• AkroDrawers ® are designed for usein a variety of environments andapplications. AkroDrawers withenclosed shelving systems help keepsupplies, parts and tools secure anddust-free. Cover, store, protect andmore with AkroDrawersMany Akro-Mils products have lidsavailable to prevent dust and dirt fromaccumulating on supplies. Items suchas Attached Lid Containers, Totes,Akro-Grids, InSight and AkroBins ® withoptional lids help protect your productsand keep items clean.800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

standardizeBest Practice MethodsBenchmarking and evaluationtactics should be utilizedto maintain a consistentapproach for carryingout tasks andprocedures.Systematic Approach• Now that you have created anorganizational system, develop proceduresto keep your 5S method in operationWorkflow• Indicator Bins simplify visual recognitionwhen supplies need to be replenished –never run out again!• Super-Size AkroBins ® securely stack atopeach other, ensuring items stay in theirproper places• Portable work centers allow for easymobility and integration of 5S dutiesinto regular work responsibilities

• Easy Flow Gravity Hopper bins and racksare designed with an angled top openingfor easy, consistent fi lling every time• The 31620 smaller size option includesFIFO sliding shelf divider to help eliminatewaste and expiration of productConsistency• By standardizing operator work stations,non-value added tasks are removed orcorrected, which reduces downtime andincreases output and effi ciencyAkro-Mils bins, carts and hoppers helpcreate universal standards for each processsuch as color coding, labeling and uniformsizes. Consistent and clear standards willmake the 5th S, sustain, easier to maintain.800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

sustainTrain-Reinforce-MeasuresustainA disciplined and committedworkflow process empowersworkers to improve and maintainthe workplace. When employeestake pride in their work,it leads to greater jobsatisfaction and higherproductivity.Continue• Reinforcing and evaluating best practiceswill keep waste out of the process andprovide a solid foundation for which tobuild improvements in the futureAkro-Mils products help sustain any5S Lean process – sort and shine, removeunnecessary handling steps and createstreamlined practices and workflow.Our plastic and steel material handlingproducts promote effective storage,organization and transport systems toboost efficiency and reduce costs inany work environment.+

safety5S Equals a Safe WorkplacesafetyPrevention• In addition to a cleaner, higher quality andbetter functioning workspace, incorporating5S techniques will also reduce the risk ofpotential hazardsQuality• Manufactured under rigorousISO 9001 standards• Products are quality tested to ensureperformance expectations• Products optimize productivityand customer satisfaction• Enhance effi ciencies and minimize confusionReduce the risk by removing clutter andunnecessary waste in the workplace.800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

sort •5S Lean and Akro-Milsset in order •The focus of a lean environment is to remove unnecessary wastes fromthe process and create an effi cient workplace. Identifying whatwasteful actions exist helps companies discover ineffi cienciesthat increase cost and provide little value to the customer. Thereare typically 8 wastes that can exist in current practices and theidea is to evaluate and focus on those areas that need corrected.1. Overproduction: Producingmore than what is needed for ajob or schedule.2. Waiting: Idle time that can bespent doing something productive.3. Transportation: Handling morethan once, delays in movingmaterials or unnecessary handlingduring the completion of tasks.4. Overprocessing: Extra actions oroperations that are performed outsidethe scope of the customers’ needs.THE 8 WASTES:5. Excessive Stock: Any surplussupplies or tools that areunnecessary to the job at hand.6. Unnecessary Motion:Any action or movement thatadds no value to the fi nal product.7. Producing Defects: Anyrework that results in scrapor is substandard to qualityperformance.8. Untapped Creativity:Not utilizing all knowledge, ideas,skills and available resourcesemployees have to offer.shine •s8wasthetransportationoverproductionmotionoverprodefe

tandardize • sustain +safetytescessingwaitingunnecessarystock orinventoryThe 5S model and Akro-Mils products can transform your organizationinto an effi cient machine – one that can thrive even in the most diffi cultof times. For a list of Akro-Mils distributors, please visit our website:www.akro-mils.com/industrial/locator.asp.Contact Akro-Mils to requestyour 5S Kit to get started today!800.253.2467 • www.akro-mils.comuntappedcreativitycts

standardizeBest Practice MethodsEvaluate and improve organizationalefficiencies. Standardize these methodsthroughout the healthcare facility.shinePolish and ProtectAn organized area is easy to keepclean and identify when items areout of place. Daily housekeepingshould be conducted.Once an area is clean, keep it clean.Employees should inspect for items thatare out of place, expired or damaged duringthe daily cleaning routine.Akro-Mils products, such as AkroBins ® –used in a 2 bin system – and the Easy FlowGravity Hopper, will protect product andinitiate a FIFO retrieval of supplies.Standardize by using a color coding systemthroughout the facility and organize supplyrooms in a like manner – this will help allstaff fi nd patient supplies quicker.

sustainTrain-Reinforce-MeasureContinuous training and involvement will helpto obtain commitment from staff members.Sustaining your 5S model can be challenging.Commitment from the entire organization isessential to the long-term success of yourprogram. Designated time to maintain,committed staff and Akro-Mils productsare vital to this step.+ safety5S Equals a Safe WorkplacesafetyA 5S area is a safe environment foremployees and helps to create apositive image.BeforeAfter800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

5SHealthcare Solutions5SLean5S Lean is a methodology toimprove efficiencies and enhanceoperational performance.Increase Efficiency and Organizationwith Akro-Mils and 5S Lean!A well-organized supply room is critical inhealthcare and medical settings. Extra time spentby physicians, ancillary staff, and nursing staffsearching for supplies can affect the quality ofcare and timeliness being given to your patients.By incorporating industry-leading productsfrom Akro-Mils, you can easily:• Improve workfl ow and productivity• Reduce PAR levels• Develop a cleaner, more effi cient environment• Create extra workspace• Increase safety• Reduce wasted time and effort• Boost employee morale• Ensure improvements remain intact

sortReduce-Remove-RenewSort and group medical supplies andremove infrequently used items.There are a variety of Akro-Mils productsavailable to assist with these steps.AkroBins ® are available in an assortmentof colors and sizes. InSight Bins providevisibility to your supplies to speed upretrieval of patient items.setEverything Has Its Placeet orderinDevelop an effective identification system,color coding supplies by category to organizeand decrease time spent searching for items.800-253-2467 • www.akro-mils.com

sort •set in order •shine •Increase Healthcare Efficiency and Organizationwith Akro-Mils and 5S Leanstandardize •sustain +safety©2011 Akro-Mils/Myers Industries, Inc. #AKM69 07/11