In many manual to semi-automated manufacturing factories, the factory's process equipment, quality control and output are only partially connected into a factory-wide automation framework, usually through internally developed networks and tracking systems. However, without comprehensive, real time information about all aspects of fab operation, it is difficult to make decisions and track performance metrics to achieve consistent, day-to-day product quality and output.
Without the right data/data tracking across the entire factory, it can be difficult to manage costs and reduce waste in the manufacturing line. To help factory operations in rapidly-growing industries reach the high yields and economies of scale needed to lower manufacturing costs, it's critical to have a manufacturing execution system (MES) that can scale with business growth while not disrupting ongoing production.
SmartFactory is a manufacturing execution system that is an affordable, out-of-the-box factory automation solution to track and streamline the flow of materials throughout a manufacturing facility. SmartFactory is designed to help accelerate the production ramp of emerging technologies in the solar, LED and chip packaging industries. By tracking the performance and output of all process tools, as well as the stocking and movement of materials and product throughout the factory, SmartFactory improves quality, boosts throughput and enhances overall productivity.
This production-proven MES solution is based on Applied's highly successful FAB300 technology; this foundation provides the reliability and scalability required for high volume production. Additionally, SmartFactory features pre-defined industry functions and templates which ensure rapid deployment and a short path to success. It enables customers to immediately initiate standard tracking of work-in-process and equipment, as well as generate a variety of critical reports so users can effectively manage factory operations.
As the first MES available with integrated advanced process control (APC) capability, the SmartFactory system's optional APC module uses proprietary Applied E3 technology to interface directly with production equipment, enabling real-time, run-to-run (R2R) process tuning and fault detection and classification (FDC) to increase process capability and reduce unplanned down time.
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Increased factory output and higher production efficiency means fast return on investment
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Rapid time to tracking first wafer; industry-specific capabilities means minimal configuration and customization
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High reliability, proven in the most complex and demanding factory environments in the world, with a minimum of IT expertise |
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Excellent scalability so that as the factory or company grows, extending SmartFactory functionality is easy and fast
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Out of the box connectivity with Applied manufacturing equipment and many other vendors’ manufacturing equipment means more rapid and reliable implementations |
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Fast and cost effective to add advanced functionality, including other Applied products like E3 Fault Detection, Run-to-Run control and SmartSched |
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