SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling for Semiconductor Manufacturing

Maximize capacity with optimized scheduling — manage lot movement to better maximize the use of tools

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling is an optimization-based scheduling system for semiconductor manufacturers that addresses one of the industry’s biggest issues—managing lot movement to better maximize the use of tools. Both dispatching and scheduling are needed, but without optimized scheduling, even efficient fabs fail to maximize capacity.

What is SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling?

Applied SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling is an optimization-based scheduling system for semiconductor manufacturers that manages lot movement to better maximize the use of tools. It uses real-time factory data and sophisticated algorithms to produce up-to-the-minute schedule updates for lots and reticles. Advanced Scheduling is built on the proven APF platform and common data model.

Why use SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling in addition to dispatching rules?

Applied SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling uses sophisticated algorithms that are not possible with dispatching systems alone. Both dispatching and scheduling are needed, but without optimized scheduling, even efficient fabs fail to maximize capacity. Benefits include greater than 1% litho utilization improvement and 2.1% throughput improvement.

Why choose Advanced Scheduling?

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling is an advanced planning and scheduling system that balances dispatching and scheduling to improve efficiency and fab utilization.

These benefits help manufacturers better maximize the use of tools.

>1% litho utilization improvement

2.1% throughput improvement

What can you gain from our approach?

Fast schedule updates

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling uses real-time factory data to continually evaluate data from multiple upstream and downstream systems.
The solution uses sophisticated algorithms not possible with dispatching systems alone.
SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling produces up-to-the-minute schedule updates for lots and reticles.

Increased returns on equipment

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling enables customers to defer or eliminate investment in additional lithography equipment by increasing litho utilization.
The solution reduces capex spending on bottleneck tools.

Common framework

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling is built on the proven APF platform and common data model to execute planning, scheduling, and dispatching algorithms on factory events.
The solution provides out-of-box schedulers for fab and assembly and test areas.
SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling requires no additional integration.

Advanced Scheduling FAQ

How often does SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling update schedules?

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling produces up-to-the-minute schedule updates for lots and reticles.

What data does SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling use?

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling uses real-time factory data to continually evaluate data from multiple upstream and downstream systems.

Can SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling reduce investment in lithography equipment?

Yes. SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling enables customers to defer or eliminate investment in additional lithography equipment by increasing litho utilization.

Which manufacturing areas does SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling support?

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling provides out-of-box schedulers for fab and assembly and test areas.

Does SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling require additional integration?

No. SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling requires no additional integration. It is built on the proven APF platform and common data model.

Ready to maximize capacity with optimized scheduling?

SmartFactory Advanced Scheduling manages lot movement to better maximize the use of tools, with up-to-the-minute schedule updates for lots and reticles.