Manufacturing integration through engineering built in

Through EBI (engineering built in), a program with the goal of realizing a self-sufficient manufacturing organization, process control responsibilities, are integrated into manufacturing. The program provides the skills and training necessary to achieve product and technology ownership: to maintain process, tool, and product performance and provide long term improvements. The approach is twofold: first, increase the technical capabilities of manufacturing employees through formal education, and training; and second, transfer engineers and technicians with a high level of skill and experience from engineering to manufacturing. By separating the operational focus into two distinct areas, (1 ) tool and tool-set control and (2) overall product yield and process control, the skills available easily match job responsibilities. Expected benefits are: (1) improved product cycle time through faster technical response to problems; (2) reduce product cost by reducing the number of engineering support personnel; (3) less rework due to improved training; (4) improved tool utilization through faster response and training; and (5) engineering personnel focus on development of new technology