SEMI Introduces Industry 4.0 Model for Semiconductor Advancement
By Mohan Krishna Challaturu | 03-11-2023 | News
Summary
- SEMI launched the IRAM to guide semiconductor firms in smart manufacturing and digital transformation.
- The IRAM aids in assessing Industry 4.0 compliance, enhancing efficiency, and securing data.
- It benchmarks Industry 4.0 maturity, supporting fabs to enterprise-level operations.
- The model is part of SEMI’s global initiative, connecting over 3,000 companies for collaborative innovation.
SEMI, the global industry association representing the electronics manufacturing and design supply chain, has launched the Industry 4.0 Readiness Assessment Model (IRAM) on November 2, 2023.
This innovative tool is designed to assist organizations within the semiconductor supply chain in evaluating and monitoring their smart manufacturing technology implementation and to develop a strategic roadmap for their digital transformation.
The IRAM, developed through a collaboration between the SEMI Smart Manufacturing Initiative and industry experts, is a critical aid for companies to identify necessary technological enhancements that are essential for scaling and sustaining their Industry 4.0 transformation. This transformation is aimed at improving efficiency, productivity, and quality in chip manufacturing.
Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO, emphasized the importance of the IRAM in helping semiconductor companies to assess their Industry 4.0 compliance as they adopt smart manufacturing practices that require increased connectivity within chip fabrication facilities and throughout the supply chain. He also noted the role of IRAM in facilitating cybersecurity decision-making to protect data across Industry 4.0 networks.
The IRAM is not only designed to support operations in fabs and back-end or enterprise-level facilities but also extends to supporting industries and most batch-based manufacturing lines. It serves as a benchmarking tool to compare Industry 4.0 deployment among peers or across different industries, enabling organizations to assess their Industry 4.0 maturity and take the necessary steps to maximize return on investment (ROI).
Andrew Seward, Field Solutions and Marketing and Analytics Manager at Tokyo Electron America, Inc. and co-chair of the SEMI Smart Manufacturing Guidelines Sub-committee, described the IRAM model as specific enough for immediate utility and flexible enough for use in individual operations, entire fabs, or the enterprise. He highlighted that the model would facilitate the identification of gaps and defining next steps, regardless of where a company is on its smart manufacturing journey.
About Semi:
SEMI connects 3,000 member companies and 1.3 million professionals worldwide, driving innovation and business in electronics design and manufacturing. The SEMI Smart Manufacturing Initiative has chapters in the Americas, China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan, where group members collaborate on Smart Manufacturing challenges and opportunities in their regions.
For more information or to become involved, companies can contact SEMI at smartmfg@semi.org.