Implementation of Minimum Inventory Variability Scheduling 1-Step Ahead Policy(R) in a large semiconductor manufacturing facility

This paper describes an implementation of the 1-Step Ahead Minimum Inventory Variability Resource Scheduling Policy(R), in a large semiconductor facility (FAB) over the period from May, 1996, through January, 1997. The FAB described here uses a product release policy based on customer orders and a work-in-progress (WIP) chart. The scheduling of resource tools was done on a first in, first out (FIFO) basis on high speed tools and due date first (DDF) at bottleneck tools, except for high priority lots, called MAXIs. The FAB is discussed in generic terms (sanitized) because of the proprietary nature of the devices manufactured. Percentages of change in cycle time and output are presented