The most challenging part of implementing a 5S system in your workplace isn’t creating processes or buying products—it’s getting buy-in and creating lasting behavioral changes. Without the support of management and participation of your team, 5S isn’t likely to last. Here are a few tips for getting 5S off to the right start. Start with the why: Many companies fail at implementing a 5S system because they don’t to establish a purpose for starting the process. Too often, someone on the management team hears about the efficiencies of 5S and starts the process without doing the necessary prep work. Implementing 5S is a time-consuming process, so it’s essential to establish why you want to invest in the process and what you hope the outcome will be before getting started. Get management buy-in: Without the support of management, it will be difficult to take 5S very far. Implementing 5S requires a lot of time and resources—which are well worth the investment when the process is seen through. But if management doesn’t fully support implementation, the results won’t be fully realized. Involve your team: Though management should be driving implementation initially, it’s essential to involve the employees who are actually working in the space throughout the process. Only they know which tools are needed, how the space is being used and which reconfigurations will be successful.