CPI Certification Practice Test

Which of the following best describes the "Standardize" step of 5S?

1. Creating consistent procedures and measures for maintaining order

2. Sorting through supplies to eliminate unnecessary items

3. Regularly cleaning the workspace

4. Implementing new software for process tracking

The correct answer is: Creating consistent procedures and measures for maintaining order

The "Standardize" step of 5S focuses on creating a set of standardized procedures and measures that help maintain the order established in the previous steps of sort, set in order, and shine. During this phase, teams work collaboratively to define the best practices and consistent guidelines for how the workspace should be organized and maintained. By standardizing procedures, it becomes easier for all team members to understand their roles and responsibilities, thereby ensuring that the improvements are sustained over time. This step is crucial in preventing the workplace from reverting back to its previous disorganized state. The other options address different aspects of workplace organization but do not specifically align with the principle of "Standardize." For instance, sorting through supplies relates more to the initial "Sort" step, while regular cleaning corresponds to the "Shine" step. Implementing new software could enhance tracking and management but is not inherently a part of the standardization process within the 5S framework.