The Red Tag Event Is Part of Which Phase of 5S?

The red tag event is part of the Sort (Seiri) phase of the 5S methodology.

This classification is consistently supported in Lean literature and academic research on 5S implementation (Hirano, 1995; Gapp et al., 2008).

What Is a Red Tag Event in 5S?

A red tag event is a structured process used to identify items in a workspace that are unnecessary, unused, or questionable—and mark them for removal or further evaluation.

  • Tag the item
  • Isolate it (physically or visually)
  • Decide later

This approach aligns with Lean principles of eliminating waste and improving flow.

Why Red Tagging Belongs in the Sort Phase

The first step of 5S—Sort (Seiri)—focuses on separating necessary items from unnecessary ones.

Red tagging is the primary tool used to execute this step:

  • Forces decisions
  • Prevents “just in case” storage
  • Creates immediate visibility

Without red tagging, Sort becomes subjective and ineffective.

What Happens During a Red Tag Event

  1. Walk the Area – Teams evaluate all items within a defined space.
  2. Identify Questionable Items – Anything not essential to current work is flagged.
  3. Tag the Item – Each item receives a red tag with key details.
  4. Move to a Holding Area – A “red tag zone” is often used.
  5. Evaluate and Decide – Keep, relocate, or dispose.

Why Red Tags Work

Red tagging introduces visual control, a core Lean concept. It:

  • Makes problems visible
  • Assigns accountability
  • Accelerates decision-making

What Makes an Effective 5S Red Tag

A good red tag should be:

  • Large and easy to see
  • Quick to write on
  • Durable
  • Easy to attach

For example, many teams use pre-wired tags like these:
5S Red Tags, Wired, 50-Pack

Because they’re pre-wired, teams can tag items instantly without needing additional materials.

Common Mistakes in Red Tag Events

  • No tagging activity – nothing gets removed
  • Over-tagging – no prioritization
  • No follow-up – system loses credibility
  • No holding area – no real change

Why This Step Matters More Than the Rest of 5S

If Sort is weak:

  • Set in Order → organizing unnecessary items
  • Shine → cleaning around clutter
  • Standardize → locking in poor setups
  • Sustain → difficult to maintain

Where Red Tag Events Are Used

  • Manufacturing
  • Warehousing
  • Healthcare
  • Offices

Final Answer

The red tag event is part of the Sort (Seiri) phase of 5S.

References

  • Hirano, H. (1995). 5 Pillars of the Visual Workplace: The Sourcebook for 5S Implementation. Productivity Press.
  • Liker, J. K. (2004). The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer. McGraw-Hill.
  • Imai, M. (1986). Kaizen: The Key to Japan’s Competitive Success. McGraw-Hill.
  • Gapp, R., Fisher, R., & Kobayashi, K. (2008). “Implementing 5S within a Japanese context.” Management Decision, 46(4), 565–579.
  • Bayo-Moriones, A., Bello-Pintado, A., & Merino-Díaz de Cerio, J. (2010). “5S use in manufacturing plants.” International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 30(3), 321–346.