Non-determinism and process variability in the design development process case study: Cypress Semiconductor

Cypress Semiconductor offers a practical example of the dramatic results that can be achieved by eliminating non-determinism and product variability in the design/development process. At Cypress, a two pronged attack on both process and project was initiated. Cross functional teams preactively and zealously focused on identifying and removing the barriers to improvement. As a result, using a FOM, resources were reallocated to projects with the highest impact. Product ideas with low anticipated volumes and profit margins were pruned. Process interfaces among technology development, manufacturing, and design development were substantially improved.