Which activity typically marks the beginning of the 5S process?

The beginning of the 5S process is marked by the "Sort" activity. This first step involves identifying and separating the necessary items from the unnecessary ones in the workplace. The purpose of sorting is to declutter the environment, making it easier to organize and maintain efficiency. By removing items that are not needed, employees can create a more streamlined workspace, facilitating better workflow and productivity.

Sorting lays the foundation for the subsequent steps in the 5S methodology—Set in Order, Standardize, and Sustain—by ensuring that only essential items remain, thus establishing a baseline for organization. Without this initial sorting step, the following practices would lack a clear purpose and direction, as they would be implemented in a cluttered and inefficient environment.