Using static capacity modeling techniques in semiconductor manufacturing

In the capital intensive semiconductor industry, the ability to understand and communicate manufacturing capacity can mean the difference between profit and loss. Companies can make informed decisions on what, when, and how much equipment is needed to meet market demand only when their manufacturing capacity is understood. The use of static capacity modeling can provide a cost effective means for understanding and communicating manufacturing capability, while at the same time forming a foundation to build towards more sophisticated modeling techniques. Static capacity analysis can provide valid insight into some basic questions about manufacturing capability. In addition, static capacity modeling can simplify the data collection and validation effort, making capacity modeling an easier pill to swallow by front line manufacturing organizations that must maintain the model. This paper describes how Harris Semiconductor has implemented static capacity modeling analysis for strategic capital planning and enterprise wide production planning