The Roadmap to Successful Implementation of 7S in the Automotive Industry in South Africa

The 7S Kaizen is critical in implementing Lean Manufacturing (LM) to increase productivity and reduce the 8 wastes in the Automotive Supply Chain (ASC) in South Africa (SA). The establishment of 7S champions, setting and maintaining 5S standards by management and staff was instrumental to the success of lean manufacturing in the ASC. Management commitment and engagement in setting Key performance areas (KPI) enabled the industry to reach the production targets. The operational Sort, set in order and shine champions who monitor their application in the plant all the times. Collaborative engagement to set sustainable standard operating procedures (SoPs) whilst the newly developed Safety and Security provided job safety in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHAC) and retention benefits. The success of the 7S principle enabled other Lean techniques used to meet customer value at reduced costs, delivery times, and inventory.