Passive Factors for the Effective Implementation of the 5S Method in a Manufacturing Company: A Network Thinking Methodology Approach

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to present the results of analyses and studies, the result of which is the identification of key factors influencing the effective application of the 5S method in the production area in a manufacturing company. Passive factors, distinguished according to network thinking methodology, were subjected to a detailed analysis. The study attempted to show that these passive factors, which turned out to be the ease of finding tools and the allocation of places for objects, although they have a small impact on others, are themselves subject to strong influences. Design/Methodology/Approach: The article uses triangulation methods. First, the network thinking methodology was used, which allows the problem to be looked at from different perspectives and allows the analysis of factors that occur in the network and the determination of the types and strength of interactions of parts that make up the whole. The research was supplemented by surveys conducted using the CAWI method among production employees of a selected furniture manufacturing company. The sample selection was random. Findings: The results show how the assessment of the ease of finding tools changed – in the opinion of employees – before and after the introduction of the 5S method in the manufacturing enterprise studied. Practical implications: Work tools are the basic equipment of every workstation. Without them, no company can function normally, perform basic tasks and therefore cannot earn money. Downtime can cause significant delays and material losses. Based on the research conducted, guidelines have been provided to solve the problem of proper placement and finding tools at the workstation. Originality/Value: The results presented are a supplement to extensive research conducted worldwide on the effective implementation of the 5S method in the area of production in the enterprise. The study aimed to fill the research gap in this area.