Maximizing profitability through easy information transfer

A study of problem-solving practices in semiconductor process development and manufacturing reveals that the economics of information transfer dominate the semiconductor industry. Extremely high user loss rates force users and suppliers of semiconductor process and diagnostic technology to solve problems as rapidly as possible. Unfortunately, both sides possess information that is required to solve problems but cannot be transferred rapidly enough for extensive losses to be avoided. Collaboration between users and suppliers, in which problem solvers physically relocate from one side's site to the other's, is minimizing losses but creating a shortage of experts that threatens the health of the industry. A series of practices that will reduce the cost of information transfer is presented. Foremost among these is the establishment of an Internet-enabled toolkit for remote diagnostics and repair.