Application of model predictive control and optimization methods to semiconductor manufacturing supply-side inventory replenishment

As the worldwide electronics market continues to grow, increased levels of agility are required to maintain competitiveness. Current methods of reacting to supply and demand variability are known to require high levels of inventory in manufacturing and warehouses. To improve the daily match between supply and demand profiles, mathematical methods are presented based on continuous model predictive control and optimization techniques similar to those that have been in use for decades in the process industry. Results from simulation using production data show the new controller's ability to meet fluctuating demand while dramatically reducing warehouse inventories