Intercim - Operational Excellence for All

With Best Operational Practices and historical data defined, Process Rules Discovery (PRD) helps semiconductor fab and assembly manufacturers determine the leanest, most robust and reliable process possible. This advanced learning tool uses patented algorithms, or a rule induction system, to extract from a set of processes the patterns that cause quality defects even when every parameter is within specifications.

Rather than relying on subjective opinions or complex models, PRD allows the user to generate a set of physical rules instead of a single model and compare it to the standard generic model. Process engineers now have the ability to make yield predictions, saving considerable time waiting for electronic test results.

Process Rules Discovery answers the WHY question, essential for continuous improvement. Why are two identically produced batches different? Why is it that when one module in a cluster tool goes down, the entire process comes to a halt? Why are test yields so poor when production tolerances are within range? Because Pertinence Suite has solved the complex issue of capturing relevant data and offering best practice corrective action, manufacturers have the ability to systematically avoid reproducing past mistakes while improving first pass yield.

Real-time data is the basis of process control and continuous improvement. The Pertinence Suite Process Execution module collects all relevant fab, test or production information to ensure all procedures are completed and documented according to plan. Whether data is collected using DNC from automated machine tools or entered on the shop floor, it serves as both a traceable record of the build process to meet compliance requirements and is utilized in Pertinence Suite's pattern matching recognition technology.

The main goal is to reduce time to yield and time to market. On the shop floor, it's about eliminating bottlenecks, wafer routing and cutting throughput losses and non-productive wafer time. Wherever the responsibility, complex manufacturing management depends on the Process Execution module to synchronize and track both product and process activities, allowing the operation to achieve its production goals.

Historical lessons and Best Operational Practices allow Operations Advisor Dashboard to quickly and easily detect a defect risk before a condition becomes irreparable. Intercim's Pattern-Matching Process Control® and inline defect monitoring capability provides operators or production line managers both risk evaluation and preventative or adjustment recommendations. And unlike systems that require modifications of control limits in the process, this Advanced Process Control and optimization technology uses on demand or event driven adjustments inside the existing control range.

Operations Advisor monitors workstation performance by providing at-a-glace, real-time visibility of production status, quality concerns and schedule variances. The risk of failing for recurring reasons is virtually eliminated, reducing cost of poor quality.

With constantly changing variables such as labor, tool availability and quality, it becomes necessary to continually monitor, analyze and update best practices. Using the Pertinence Suite Performance Tracker, metrics like test yields, cycle times and emergent work, including non-conformances, are presented in an easy to understand dashboard. Shop floor operators and managers alike can query Performance Tracker to learn where drifts or inconsistencies are occurring or to run and analyze detailed reports. This information is vital in confirming KPIs are being met, to affirm strategic direction or to make process improvements.

Today's shop floor must meet the demands of the global economy. And managing suppliers, wherever they are located, has never been more important. As a result, silos of information between internal departments are being integrated. The walls between operations on different continents are crumbling.

Advancements in web technology and our own innovations in complex manufacturing are helping Intercim revolutionize manufacturing and test operations. Service Oriented Architecture allows seamless data sharing between a process engineer and the operations manager in the same facility and alerts the yield manager of supplier issues globally.