MacDill continues to build success with 6S

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Vernon L. Fowler Jr.
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  During May 2014, MacDill Air Force Base will continue to build on the "continuous process improvement" focus of Air Mobility Command's Air Force Smart Operations efforts. In an ongoing effort to increase efficiency, eliminate waste and live within fiscal constraints Team MacDill will focus its efforts on workplace organization and the utilization of 6S.

What is 6S?

6S is a fundamental building block in the Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiative to increase the Air Force's combat capability and effectiveness. One way to combat the buildup of clutter is through 6S. The cornerstone of 6S is that workers are more productive and happier in a clean, safe and organized environment.

"When you 6S, you create quality that you can see," said Master Sgt. Darryl Johnson, AFSO21 enterprise analyst and planning manager.

The 6S breakdown is as follows:

Sort - Distinguish between what is needed and not needed and remove the latter.

Straighten - Enforce a place for everything and put everything in its place.

Shine - Clean up the workplace and look for ways to keep it clean.

Standardize - Maintain and monitor adherence to the first three S's.

Sustain - Follow the rules to keep the workplace 6S-right--"maintain the gain."

Safety - Eliminate hazards (ensure all improvements to the workplace do not degrade safety).

What is the goal?

The goal is to identify surplus supplies and re-purpose/re-distribute resources.

"6S is the foundation for all continuous process improvement and has the fundamental power to change the workplace and involve everyone in improving their environment," said Capt. Michael Gitchel, AFSO21 deputy chief.

Focus areas for the event will include office furnishings, excess supplies, shared drives, automatic data processing equipment and paper. Items that cannot be reused should be labeled for the Defense Reutilization and Marketing Office and/or properly disposed.

Any questions on the 6S process or upcoming AFSO21 events can be addressed to the wing AFSO21 office at 828-AFSO (2376). The points of contact are Maj. Ryan Goodlin, Capt. Michael Gitchel, Senior Master Sgt. Richard Burgos, Senior Master Sgt. Ann Kentta, and Master Sgt. Darryl Johnson.