5S is a five step program aimed at creating and maintaining an organized visual workplace.

SORT
Separate those things needed for the job from those not needed. Examples include obsolete and expired procedures, damaged and expired inventory, defunct/old equipment. At the end sort, unneeded items are disposed of.
SET IN ORDER
For things needed to do the job, put them in a logical order or logical placement to enhance the work process and reduce the chance of defects. The order should contribute to the reduction in excess movement, excess transportation, over processing, over production, excess inventory, excess delays and defects. These are the 7 wastes LEAN methods eliminate in an organization.
SHINE
The work area is cleaned and equipment and systems are calibrated to optimal settings such that the process is in its ideal state. At this point, measurement of the system may begin and the measurements will capture the variation of the process rather than that of the environment or the measurement system. This allows better understanding of process variation.
STANDARDIZE
While there may be “many ways” to do the work, there is “one best way” to do the work. Collaboration with those in the work place and with process engineers can identify the best way to achieve the work. This should become the standard. This includes how to do the work and how to replenish the work such as thresholds and manage inventory.
SYSTEMATIZE
Put into place the system to maintain the organization of the workplace, the upkeep of the equipment and system and the measurement, monitoring and visual control of the process. Visual control allows everyone to understand how the process is performing. This implies a “feedback and response” mechanism enabling the individual to exercise control and accountability for his/her work.