5S audit checklist for shops and plants
Updated · Reviewed by Israel Margulies, founder and CEO of High Point GPS
A 5S audit checklist for a maintenance shop, parts room or plant area: score each item from 0 to 5 under Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain, add up the score, and note what to fix before the next audit.
5S is workplace organization: only what you need, a place for everything, clean enough to spot leaks and damage, the same way everywhere, and habits that last. In a maintenance shop, it shows up as technicians who don't hunt for tools and parts, and machines whose leaks get noticed.
The audit keeps it from fading. Score the same area on a schedule, such as monthly, with the same checklist, and post the score where the team can see it. The trend matters more than any single score.
5S audit
Fields: Area · Auditor · Date · Previous score
Sort (score 0 to 5)
- Only needed tools, parts and materials in the area
- Unneeded items red-tagged and removed
- No broken or obsolete equipment stored
Set in order (score 0 to 5)
- Tools on shadow boards or labeled places
- Parts bins labeled with part numbers
- Aisles and work zones marked
Shine (score 0 to 5)
- Floors and benches clean
- Machines clean enough to spot leaks
- Cleaning supplies available
Standardize (score 0 to 5)
- Labels and colors consistent across areas
- Cleaning and checks on a schedule
- Standards posted
Sustain (score 0 to 5)
- Previous audit actions completed
- Team does 5S without reminders
- Scores posted and reviewed
Fill it in the right way
- Pick the area and use the same checklist every time.
- Score each item from 0 (not done) to 5 (fully done) and write what you saw.
- Add up the score per S and in total.
- List the top three actions with owners.
- Post the score and repeat the audit on a schedule.
Tips
- Take before and after photos; they make the case better than any score.
- Audit with someone from another area for fresh eyes.
- Start with the parts room: it's where 5S pays back fastest.
- Don't score Sustain high if last month's actions are still open.
Do it in FleetZap
- FleetZap's parts inventory with bin locations helps the Set in order part of 5S in the parts room.
- Recurring cleaning and inspection tasks can run as scheduled work with a checklist.
FleetZap Maintenance
Work orders, PM, parts, compliance, assets and KPIs. Explore FleetZap Maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What are the 5S?
Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain: five steps to an organized, clean and consistent workplace.
How do you score a 5S audit?
Score each item, often from 0 to 5, total the score for each S and overall, and track it over time.
How often should 5S audits be done?
On a regular schedule, often weekly or monthly per area, by the same checklist so scores can be compared.
Why use 5S in maintenance?
Less time hunting for tools and parts, safer work areas, and clean machines where leaks and damage are easy to see.