In manufacturing, efficiency isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Downtime, delays, and disorganization all chip away at productivity. While many facilities focus on big-ticket upgrades like automation, one of the most persistent sources of waste is far simpler: how you store and handle your change parts.
This is where the 5S methodology—a foundational principle of lean manufacturing—makes a big impact. Originally developed in Japan, 5S stands for Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. It’s a structured approach to workplace organization that improves efficiency, reduces waste, and enhances safety.
And it’s not just a theory. Implementing 5S starts with the physical tools your team uses every day—like the carts, boards, and storage systems that keep your change parts in order. That’s why Morrison’s 5S-compatible Parts Carts and Storage Systems are engineered to bring structure, safety, and speed to your plant floor.
Why Storage Matters More Than You Think
When your line goes down for a changeover, time is of the essence. If operators are hunting for parts, untangling hoses, or wiping off damaged components, you’re not just wasting minutes—you’re risking product integrity, line performance, and worker safety.
Improper parts storage often leads to:
❌ Lost or mislabeled change parts.
❌ Excessive handling and potential damage.
❌ Cluttered or unsafe work areas.
❌ Longer, more inconsistent changeovers.
Morrison’s part storage solutions help eliminate these challenges with purpose-built equipment that supports lean goals at every turn:
✅ Prevent damage and loss with custom shadow boards and durable stainless-steel construction.
✅ Limit handling and human error with ergonomic, mobile designs.
✅ Simplify cleaning and compliance with washdown-ready materials.
✅ Reduce changeover time by making parts easy to access and return.
✅ Maximize space with slim footprints and vertical configurations.
Built for 5S – and Beyond
A clean, organized workspace doesn’t just look better—it performs better. That’s the core belief behind 5S, which has been used by manufacturers worldwide to improve operations one step at a time.
Here’s how Morrison’s storage solutions directly support each of the 5S pillars:
1. Sort – remove unnecessary items.
Morrison’s carts make it easy to separate essential change parts from outdated or excess tools, helping your team declutter with confidence.
2. Set in order – a place for everything, and everything in its place.
Custom-fit shadow boards keep parts visible, labeled, and organized for fast retrieval and safe return after changeover.
3. Shine – keep everything clean.
Stainless steel and hygienic design features allow for quick washdowns, keeping both the parts and the storage equipment sanitary.
4. Standardize – make best practices repeatable.
Uniform cart layouts and labeling systems help operators follow a consistent process across lines or shifts.
5. Sustain – maintain the gains.
When parts are easy to find, store, and clean, your team is far more likely to stick with the system. Morrison’s carts make 5S not just possible, but practical.
From Theory to Results
Plenty of manufacturers talk about lean—but success depends on execution. The beauty of 5S is that it starts with small, visible wins: cleaner work areas, quicker changeovers, fewer missing parts. These daily improvements add up fast.
Morrison’s parts carts help make those wins permanent by giving your operators a system they can trust—and take pride in.
The Results?
⚙️ Faster, more consistent changeovers.
📉 Reduced downtime and part damage.
🧼 Improved sanitation and audit readiness.
🧰 Higher engagement from operators who feel equipped and empowered.
Contact us today to get started, fill out our form, or call us at +1 (708) 756-6660.
