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Automation Operational SpecificationsThe goal for developing an Automation Operational Specification is to define a consistent automation implementation across the enterprise for operational consistency across the factory’s tool-set, from the perspective of the FACTORY HOST computer system and of the Wafer Fab Technician. This strategy requires that all tools in the factory be provided by the equipment suppliers with a common set of pre-defined computer instructions, as well as a consistent set of material-handling and loading characteristics. The design, development, and deployment of an Automation Operational Specification is critical to the success of your factory automation program. It provides the framework for the entire factory automation activity, as well as your suppliers’ expectations for just how crucial you view your CIM and Automation requirements. Having a good Automation Operational Specification in place prior to tool procurement is essential to the success of the automation activity. Your organization should insist that a tool supplier’s factory automation capabilities be given as much consideration as a part of the procurement process as it does to a tool’s process or metrology capabilities. 300mm automation cannot be an afterthought or something to bolt on later. Rather, it must be given every consideration from the development of the tools' requirements definition, through the supplier fact-finding process, and as a meaningful part of the bid and selection criteria. A supplier’s tool must adhere as closely as possible to this specification so that the Factory Host to Tool Equipment Interface (EI) software can be deployed with all the required functionality as quickly as possible. A quantifiable advantage of requiring close supplier adherence to an Automation Operational Specification is that a larger percentage of your Equipment Interface (EI) software can be used without customization, thereby reducing software maintenance and lifecycle costs. Another, often overlooked, advantage is that the risk of mis-processing is also reduced in MANUAL mode by having a common set of LOCAL operator commands and interaction across the factory’s tool-set. Communication of your factory automation requirements to your equipment suppliers is the single most important task that a manager of a factory automation program has to perform to successfully implement and deploy his organization’s automation strategy. Yet, this very important technical document is often given little consideration and sometimes simply refers to some high level SEMI standards, without providing the supplier(s) any implementation details. By way of example, when given the task of producing a specification for building a new home, an architect would not simply specify that it has to comply with all applicable plumbing and electrical codes or the result would be disastrous. Instead, the exact size, finish, and location of each fixture and receptacle is clearly indicated in a manner that leaves the builder with no ambiguity with regard to your requirements. Providing clear and adequate information will enable the builder to give you an accurate cost and a delivery schedule. Since the task of developing an automation specification requires infinitely more detailed and specialized knowledge than a simple construction project and has such a significant economic impact on your organization, seeking the help of experienced technical professionals, who have detailed subject matter expertise and experience, is an often exercised option and one that you may wish to consider. Service available from FACTSFACTS senior resources have many years of experience in the design and deployment of factory floor/equipment automation strategies as well as the development of factory automation specifications for the Semiconductor IC Manufacturer. In as little as 6 to 8 weeks, you can have an Automation Operational Specification that will embody your specific implementation requirements and the latest in industry standards and trends. FACTS resources can be engaged to augment your technical staff in this highly specialized undertaking or they can produce your entire Automation Operational Specification from start to finish for your final refinement, through a process of decomposition and iterative dialog. FACTS
will be pleased to provide you with a quotation for your project’s specific
needs and can usually provide this professional service on either a
time-and-materials or firm-fixed-price basis. Click here
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