5S Red Tag Strategy

5S Red Tag procedures

(Free download 5S red tag template below)

Step 1: Select members from various teams

Select a high level manager to participate as a team member

Step 2: Identify 5s Red Tag targets

5S Red Tag template xls excel

Inventory, equipment, supplies, tooling, space
Office areas are not exempt from red tagging

Step 3: Define Red Tag criteria

Determine what criteria will be used to distinguish a needed item from an unneeded item
Example: Save only the items needed to conduct daily business in the area

Step 4: Explain red tag criteria to teams

Ensure a good cross-section of people tagging items to prevent “I might need that”
Red-tag work area as rapidly as possible

Step 5: Evaluate red tag items

Review material which has been red tagged
Dispose of truly unnecessary inventory, equipment and other items
Teams may retain material which has been red tagged if they can show proper justification
Discard any material which is still tagged after a pre-determined time
All red tags must be completed and returned to red tag coordinator

Red Tagging Helpful Hints

Record information about all tags used on a 5S Red Tag Log so that dispositioned items can be tracked easily.
Make sure everybody understands what is to be red tagged and why.
Discourage people from being defensive. Be fair – all areas get tagged!
Don’t red tag people.
Don’t compromise; IF IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!
Necessary items can be tagged if improvements are known or suggested.
Do not put multiple tags on any one object.
Make reasonable allowances for decorative items such as family pictures, plants.
Disposition all red tags

Red tag process

Usually two different approaches;
Team identifies and labels all unnecessary items over a one to two week period within working area
Blitz approach; team uses red tags to only identify items that cannot be removed safely or easily. All other items scrapped or moved to
“crime watch area”.

5S Red Tags – A Useful Sorting Tool

The red tag is a useful tool to help the sorting process – in the factory, warehouse, or office. These tags are used to identify unnecessary items that need to be either thrown out, recycled, sold or relocated. They are especially useful as a visual management tool as they easily communicate visually to other staff members that the tagged items are unneeded/unwanted.

Free Download 5S red tag template

5S Red Tag template xls excel

Red-Tag-Logsheet-Blank

Free 5S_Red_Tag_Excel template