In the 5S method, what does Sustain refer to as the fifth element?

• A. Sustain
• B. Standardize
• C. Sort
• D. Shine

Answer: (A)

Sustain as the fifth element means making the gains from the first four steps permanent by embedding discipline and continuous improvement into daily work. It’s about turning the new way of organizing and cleaning into a lasting habit—through standard work, ongoing training, regular audits, and accountability to maintain the standards. Without this ongoing effort, improvements tend to slip back, so Sustain focuses on culture, routines, and systems that keep the clean, organized state durable over time. The other steps—sorting, setting in order, and shining—are about creating the initial condition, but Sustain ensures that condition is maintained and continually refined.