Which list correctly identifies the five elements of the 5S methodology?

• A. Sort, Straighten, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain
• B. Sort, Straighten, Shine, Sustain, and Standardize
• C. Sort, Separate, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain
• D. Sort, Straighten, Systemize, Standardize, and Sustain

Answer: (A)

FiveS is a lean approach for organizing a workspace, built around a simple, repeatable sequence. The five elements in order are Sort, Straighten (often called Set in order), Shine, Standardize, Sustain. This sequence matters: you first remove what isn’t needed, then arrange what remains so everything has a designated place, then clean and inspect to keep things safe and functional, followed by creating standards to maintain that state, and finally sustaining the practice over time through discipline and audits. The correct list uses these exact terms in that order. Alternatives swap terminology or reverse the last two steps, which doesn’t align with how 5S is typically taught.