Real-Time, Detailed Production Scheduling for Semiconductor Fabs
The fast-moving, highly competitive semiconductor manufacturing industry demands time- and cost-cutting strategies to achieve ongoing profitability. ILOG Fab PowerOps gives you many advantages over traditional production scheduling software solutions. This powerful, visual software creates and updates - in real time - optimal, forward-looking production schedules for all the tools in each of your fab process areas. The benefits to semiconductor fabs include:
- Reduced production cycle time in each process area
- Significant increases in tool utilization
- Shortened new product introduction time by more efficient scheduling of hot-lots and recipe qualification
- Improved product yield by eliminating unnecessary recipe setups, reducing reticle movement and efficiently scheduling production within critical process time windows
- Reduced WIP bottlenecks through forward-looking schedule analysis
- Real-time responsiveness to production changes and tool interruptions
- Fast adaptation to unique operational requirements and changing business drivers
- Fab performance visibility via Gantt charts and KPI analytics
- Reduced system deployment and support risks through predefined operational models, proven commercial scheduling optimization algorithms, connectors for leading factory system components and installation on leading commercial computing platforms.
- Reduction or elimination of complex dispatching rules development and maintenance
Includes optimization technology used in top-tier fabs
ILOG Fab PowerOps includes industry-leading optimization technology that is built into customized solutions deployed by top-tier semiconductor manufacturers today. ILOG has leveraged its experience in the semiconductor industry to define operating models within Fab PowerOps based on common operating scenarios and process tool types. Now these proven ILOG scheduling engines can help your fab save time and money.
Optimization technology is widely known for its ability to solve complex factory planning and scheduling problems. For example, Fab PowerOps can analyze multiple alternative schedules that take into account all of the WIP, tools, steps and process timing constraints before giving you an optimal schedule recommendation. The software has built-in, configurable operating models for your key process areas:
- Diffusion
- Photo
- Etch
- Thin Films
- CMP
- Implant
Rich GUIs for quick viewing and monitoring
Fab PowerOps utilizes ILOG's award-winning visualization technology. The software provides configurable GUIs for viewing, comparing and analyzing your production schedules in a Gantt format. Accessible by web browsers for your use inside the fab, these GUIs also enable you to continuously monitor key metrics like idle time by tool, by tool type or by process area. In addition, actual KPI and other performance metrics are visible through charts and reports.
Integration with existing software
Fab PowerOps fits easily into your computing environment. The software includes pre-built data connectors for leading commercial MES and ERP applications used within your fab, thereby lowering your deployment risks. Integration is further simplified through provided APIs that can let you connect custom factory system components and data sources. In addition, Fab PowerOps is fully compatible with leading commercial computing platforms and databases while also supporting high-availability architectures for 24x7 operations.
Helping you manage the future
In an industry where rapid change is the norm, ILOG Fab PowerOps gives you a tool to maintain your competitive edge. The software lets you respond to dynamic factory events and changing business requirements today and in the future. The software is backed by a decade of ILOG experience building scheduling applications for industry leaders worldwide. Comprehensive consulting, training and support are also available.
Next steps
Learn more about how ILOG can help you improve semiconductor fab scheduling:
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