Being a flexible fab-the key for long-term success

Fab8 is a mature fab that runs four technologies (3 logic; 1 EPROM) from different generations (0.5-1.0 micron) and approximately 100 products for 10 business units. The complexity of running a multi-technology line with shared resources involves an ongoing decision-making process of priority definition and resource allocation. Therefore, Fab8 has had to develop and implement an agile manufacturing method. This paper describes the flexibility planning process as well as the implementation of the dynamic manufacturing methodology and the supporting systems.