The effect of set management on just-in-time manufacturing

Several manufacturing concepts have been combined with production control, information systems, industrial engineering and process engineering to make set management a reality. Set management is designed to release a package of layers, which have been combined at the substock crib, into a substrate part number, significantly lowering material handling and inventory levels and resulting in improved test yields. The inventory reduction was immediately visible, with inventory levels going from 30-40 days to less than 10 days. Process change results are now seen on a real-time basis. Software was instituted to do daily inventory checks and ensure that the line is loaded with the correct mix of part numbers to meet the highest measure of serviceability possible. Implementation of set management led to a 7% improvement in yield, a 6× reduction in layer inventory, a 3× reduction in crib storage time and multiple handling and inspection reductions