Integrating 5S Principles as a Strategy for Improving Clothing Manufacture

The supply chain in the clothing is continuously influenced by internal and external competition. The industrialisation of the industry continues to impact all stakeholders throughout the world. Competition is rife in terms of value-add, quality, delivery dates and cost. Many of the manufacturers continue to operate without any kind of strategy to improve current conditions. Market share is being transferred outside the boundaries of the country. The retail industry maintained its impetus in terms of supply to the ultimate customer but the sourcing of finished products moved towards the east primarily due to cost competitiveness. In order to improve the current status, 5S principles may be implemented as a competitive strategy. This simple re-organisation of the workplace would significantly improve ergonomics in its totality, thereby creating an environment that is conducive for productive machine operation. It may be used as a competitive strategy that would cultivate strength in manufacturing capabilities. This paper evaluates current paradigms and implements 5S principles as a means of improvement through a case study in one organisation. Data regarding certain aspects were gathered from 45 clothing manufactures in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area.