Abstract: An industrial control system and method of controlling an industrial process are disclosed herein. In at least one embodiment, the control system includes an order system configured to receive an order from an external source and process the order to generate an order instance in accordance with an order ontology, at least one database storing a plurality of selectable generalized production plans and information identifying capabilities of a plurality of control entities, and a product agent in at least indirect communication with the order system, the at least one database and the control entities. The product agent receives at least one portion of the order instance, selects at least one of the generalized production plans, and communicates with the control entities so as to determine a production plan instance suitable for governing at least one aspect of an industrial process in order to satisfy at least one portion of the received order corresponding to the at least one portion of the order instance.

Abstract: A method of sorting laminates includes characterizing first shapes of laminates from measurements taken of each, assembling the laminates to derive a first relationship between the first shapes and yield loss, characterizing second shapes of the laminates from a reduced number of the measurements to derive a second relationship between the second shapes and yield loss, analyzing a change in the derived relationships to determine a least number of the measurements necessary for achieving the yield loss and sorting supplied laminates in accordance with a characterized shape of each, which is obtained from the least number of the measurements taken for each supplied laminate.

Abstract: A distributed process control equipment ownership arbitration system and method for arbitrating equipment ownership conflicts are disclosed. Individual control modules representing various process control entities within a process control system define a plurality of lists or queues for storing equipment arbitration information. Requests by one process control entity to acquire ownership over another process control entity are represented by an arbitration token that represents the ownership relationship sought by the acquiring process control entity. Copies of the arbitration token are communicated between the respective control modules and stored in the various arbitration queues defined by the control modules, depending on the status of the acquisition request.

Abstract: A method of at least one embodiment uses a central instance for receiving all orders within the platform. A meta interface regulates the assignment of resources to orders. In addition, in at least one embodiment, each order is performed by at least one process handler. This assures the deadlock-free use of resources within the platform. Furthermore, at least one embodiment of the invention allows controlled stopping of active process handlers and hence interruption of running processes.

Abstract: A market-demand-forecasting-value calculation section acquires order entry actual achievement data from an order-entry-actual-achievement-data storing unit of an order receiving system, and calculates a market demand forecasting value using the order entry actual achievement data. A correction safety inventory quantity calculation section calculates an error rate, which becomes negative when an ordering required-quantity becomes large, based on a number of ordered parts and a past ordering required-quantity. Subsequently, the correction safety inventory quantity calculation section calculates a correction safety inventory quantity using the error rate and the market demand forecasting value and a money-amount-zone index value.

Abstract: A method for increasing overall yield in semiconductor manufacturing including routing wafers or wafer lots based on process variation data obtained from the wafers or wafer lots and on process variation data obtained from tools processing the wafers or wafer lots. A system for increasing overall yield in semiconductor manufacturing includes a module for routing wafers or wafer lots based on process variation data obtained from the wafers or wafer lots and on process variation data obtained from the tools processing the wafers or wafer lots.

Abstract: Dynamic resource allocation systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed for selectively improving the ability of a receiver to determine a channel estimate in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) system. A wireless communication system can use a common pilot channel configuration to aid channel estimation in one or more receivers in communication with the system. A receiver in communication with the system may be unable to demodulate received data due to an inaccurate channel estimate. The receiver can communicate to a transmitter in the system a request for additional channel estimation resources. The wireless communication system can provide additional channel estimation resources by inserting dedicated pilot channels into one or more of the frequencies allocated to symbols for the receiver. If the receiver is still unable to demodulate received data, the wireless communication system can incrementally insert additional pilot channels in the symbol associated with the receiver.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for generating a delivery bill of materials (BOM) for use at a production facility. Input includes parts data identifying the parts used in the production process, delivery/process location data identifying areas on the production line where parts are delivered, and packaging data related to containers in which parts are delivered. Each delivery BOM has a code for an associated product and data that defines a relationship between a trailer loaded with case packs of parts, a delivery process code, and a tugger for delivering the packs to line locations. Each trailer holds multiple packs assigned to different delivery process codes. The delivery process code ties the case packs on the trailer to the tuggers and is associated with one or more assembly processes. Each delivery process code is assigned to an associate that coordinates case pack and tugger staging according to supported production processes.

Abstract: An automated manufacturing system comprises a computer processing system and a plurality of consolidation systems. The computer processing system receives information on product subbatches and product packages and consolidation status information to produce consolidation assignment information, each product package comprising one or more product subbatches. The consolidation systems receive the product subbatches in accordance to the consolidation assignment information and consolidate the product subbatches into product packages, wherein the status of the consolidation systems are tracked and the consolidation status information is sent to the computer processing system.

Abstract: A method for providing a bin ratio forecast at an early stage of integrated circuit device manufacturing processes is disclosed. The method comprises collecting historical data from one or more processed wafer lots; collect measurement data from one or more skew wafer lots; generating an estimated baseline distribution from the collected historical data and collected measurement data; generating an estimated performance distribution based on one or more specified parameters and the generated estimated baseline distribution; determining a bin ratio forecast by applying a bin definition and a yield degradation factor estimation to the generated estimated performance distribution; determining one or more production targets based on the bin ratio forecast; and processing one or more wafers based on the one or more determined production targets.

Abstract: An interactive workflow schedule optimizer arranged to enable a user to reconfigure an instantiated workflow for a task comprising a plurality of actions having a predetermined dependency relationship to each other. The optimizer comprises means to input one or more user-specified constraint conditions into the workflow schedule optimizer; means to regenerate a workflow dependent on user specified condition from the instantiated workflow, the regenerated workflow satisfying said one or more user-specified constraint conditions. The optimizer optimises the global utilisation of the resources required to fulfil the user request by processing in parallel the resource requirements of each of said plurality of actions required by the regenerated workflow.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, an interdependency modeling method for controlling a batch process with an industrial automation system includes evaluating an input parameter expression residing in a level of a supervisory system of the industrial automation system to determine a value, transferring the value of the input parameter expression to a level of an equipment control system of the industrial automation system, transferring data from the level of the equipment control system to the level of the supervisory system, and evaluating an output parameter expression residing in the level of the supervisory system based on the data from the level of the equipment control system.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of displaying an evaluation tool for evaluating a proposed commission on behalf of a professional at the time of carrying out a transaction. Using a principal and share/unit price for the proposed transaction, the method identifies nearest neighbour historical transactions. A graph is displayed showing the professional's proposed commission in relation to these nearest neighbour historical transactions. The professional can modify the proposed commission in light of the historical data before executing the transaction and charging the commission.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a method includes defining a sequence of process resources. Each of the process resources is for performing at least one respective task on a work item. The method further includes calculating a resource utilization metric for each of the process resources. The method also includes displaying a representation of at least a portion of the sequence of process resources. The representation includes image elements that each have a dimension that is inversely proportional to the resource utilization metric for the process resource represented by the image element in question.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing a control process within a process control system and resolving inconsistencies during execution of the control process includes loading the logical structure of the control process, loading a plurality of instantiation objects or processes when the control process is instantiated, using the instantiation objects to instantiate a procedural element of the control process as the control process calls for the procedural element during execution, executing the procedural element as part of the control process, and deconstructing the procedural element as execution of the procedural element is completed during execution of the control process. Resolution of inconsistencies includes executing a first model of an entity in a controller, executing a second model of the entity in an execution engine, detecting a difference between the models, generating a prompt and receiving an operation instruction to continue the process or abort the process.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a method and a system for providing a selection of golden tools for better defect density and product yield. A golden tool selection and dispatching system is provided to integrate different components for robust golden tool selection and dispatching. The golden tool selection system selects a set of golden tools based on performance of a set of manufacturing tools and provides a fully automated operational environment to produce a product using the set of golden tools.

Abstract: A method of managing work-in-process (WIP) inventory includes receiving inputs, via a user interface of a computer processing device. The inputs correspond to variables defined for modules. Each of the modules includes a set of instructions for determining and quantifying a corresponding WIP inventory driver. The method also includes executing instructions on the inputs by one or more of the modules. The inputs are applied to corresponding modules based on respective variables defined for the modules. The method further includes deriving a quantified WIP inventory resulting from execution of the instructions categorized by corresponding WIP inventory drivers.

Abstract: A production and inventory control for a manufacturing facility is provided that facilitates and coordinates improved planning and execution of such facility in a supply chain with a focus on providing an improved and robust planning, production and inventory control, even in the presence of uncertainty. This may include Optimal Planning that can balance the need for low inventory, low cost (i.e., high utilization of equipment and labor), and efficient on-time delivery. The result of such planning is not a schedule per se but a set of parameters that form a dynamic policy that generates an evolving schedule as conditions (demand, production) materialize. An Optimal Execution applies the dynamic policy resulting in a manufacturing system that is robust enough to accommodate moderate changes in demand and/or capacity without the need to reschedule.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method and system for managing compatibility of a plurality of devices within a work cell. A method for managing a compatibility of a plurality of devices within a work cell in a molding site, the plurality of devices including a first device and a second device, is provided. The method comprises receiving an indication of a first unique parameter from the first device and a second unique parameter from the second device; based upon the first unique parameter and the second unique parameter, determining a compatibility indicator, which is indicative of compatibility between the first device and the second device; and responsive to the compatibility indicator being indicative of incompatibility between the first device and the second device, generating a conflict resolution parameter for rendering the first device and the second device compatible.

Abstract: To provide a component mounting order optimizing method and a component mounting order optimizing apparatus by which it is easy to change a preparatory plan and it is possible to shorten time necessary for a change of substrates to be produced. An optimization program storage section 16 has a placement list preparing section 17 which obtains component placement data to be obtainable by a component information reading device 5 reading identification information of a component cassette, and prepares a component placement list in which identification information of component cassettes and positions which are loaded in a component supply section were associated, and a mounting order deciding section 18 which decides mounting order of components in such a state that an array of the component cassettes is fixed, on the basis of the component placement list.

Abstract: Process for developing and implementing a model (ASM) for the formal description of a collaborative system including multiple, distributed components, wherein analyzable models of the components are generated via simulation processes. The invention includes the steps of generation of models of collaborative units, preparation of a catalog of models of the collaborative units, assignment of a set of rules to the catalog for the specification of interactions among the autonomous models of the collaborative units and for the development of the model of the complex collaborative system, generation of the desired model using selected models of the collaborative units as the basic module from the catalog, and taking selected rules into account, and automatic adaptation of the model by deriving new rules, taking into account evaluation parameters for each application in one process operation.

Abstract: A method of optimizing production cycle queue time includes selecting a plurality of process steps for a production cycle, calculating queue times for each of the plurality of process steps, statistically analyzing the queue times, and generating at least one visual output that illustrates the statistically analyzed queue times.

Abstract: Profit optimization methods and systems for a supply chain are described. An implementation of the technique includes determining the initial cost of components required to manufacture a product, dynamically determining the cost for substitution of at least one product component, dynamically determining the location of at least one substitute component, and manufacturing the product for the lowest cost based on the results of the cost of substitution and substitute component location determinations. At least one of the cost of substitute components and the component locations may be determined at or near the time of manufacture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a pull back optimizer in conjunction with an inventory management system allows for efficient retrieval of return assemblies for optimized parts fulfillment. The inventory management system includes a return assembly inventory and a list of parts needed for order fulfillment. The return assembly inventory lists the part numbers and quantities of parts in each return assembly. The pull back optimizer allows a user of the inventory management system to efficiently determine the optimal return systems to pull back to production for parts fulfillment to minimize the impact on those using the return assemblies.

Abstract: A method for production planning includes receiving a first order quantity of a first device. A first yield estimate of the first device from a production line is determined. The first yield estimate is adjusted based on a first confidence factor associated with the first order quantity. A dispatch quantity for processing in the production line is determined based on the first order quantity and the adjusted first yield estimate.

Abstract: A method includes determining production targets for devices of different types in a production line. A queue level of devices of a first type that have completed performance of a first operation configured in accordance with a first setup state in the production line and await performance of a second operation in the production line is determined. Based on the determined queue level, a second type of device is selected for subsequent processing in the first operation based on the production targets and a setup time associated with configuring the first operation from the first setup state to a second setup state associated with the second type of device. The first operation is configured in accordance with the second setup state for processing devices of the second type.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an automated manufacturing system that is used to process multiple jobs in a product fabrication environment, where such processing comprises performing the same multiple consecutive process steps for each job and where each process step can be accomplished using one or more different available processing tools. The manufacturing system incorporates a unique run-time dispatch system. This dispatch system schedules the order in which jobs will be processed and further randomly assigns a particular combination of process steps and tools to each job in such a way that the processing tools are evenly distributed across the jobs. Ensuring even distribution of processing tools allows a statistical process control system to not only detect, for a given process step, product variability outside desired specifications, but also to efficiently de-convolve such product variability.

Abstract: A system includes a computing cloud having at least one data storage unit and at least one processing unit. The computing cloud is configured to provide at least one service. The system also includes a client configured to communicate with the computing cloud and to selectively offload data to the computing cloud based upon one or more specified criteria. The client is also configured to offload processes to the computing cloud based upon the one or more specified criteria and to use the at least one service of the computing cloud. At least one of the specified criteria may be based upon a determination of whether the data is required for at least one real time process and/or a determination of whether each process is required for at least one real time process. The system may be used in a data storage and retention application or in an industrial automation application.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method for determining an optimum manufacturing process routing. The method comprises electronically constructing a plurality of manufacturing process routings for a component to be manufactured. The electronically constructing for each manufacturing process routing of the plurality of manufacturing process routings comprises defining a recursive process routing tree for each manufacturing process routing, the recursive process routing tree comprising a plurality of nodes, each node of the plurality of nodes corresponding to a manufacturing process and comprising a branch node when the manufacturing process for a given node may be decomposed into a plurality of sub-processes for the given node.

Abstract: A production and inventory control for a manufacturing facility is provided that facilitates and coordinates improved planning and execution of such facility in a supply chain with a focus on providing an improved and robust planning, production and inventory control, even in the presence of uncertainty. This may include Optimal Planning that can balance the need for low inventory, low cost (i.e., high utilization of equipment and labor), and efficient on-time delivery. The result of such planning is not a schedule per se but a set of parameters that form a dynamic policy that generates an evolving schedule as conditions (demand, production) materialize. An Optimal Execution applies the dynamic policy resulting in a manufacturing system that is robust enough to accommodate moderate changes in demand and/or capacity without the need to reschedule.

Abstract: There is provided a system for use in performance of injection molding operations, wherein the system can include a plurality of injection molding assembly components. In one embodiment, the system can be operative so that various information respecting components of the system can be recorded within a component database. The component database can be a computer implemented database and in one embodiment can be utilized to output information that indicates past and/or present conditions prevailing within the system.

Abstract: A hybrid data collection and component installation scheme for optimizing equipment cost, throughput, and quality practices in a multi-stage manufacturing environment. A kit comprising a plurality of parts corresponding to an order for a product is received from one of the stages in the multi-stage manufacturing environment. The parts in the kit were validated in the stage using data collected about the plurality of parts in the stage. At a subsequent stage in the manufacturing environment, a determination is made if the product qualifies for mass installation. If the product qualifies for mass installation, a set of parts in the kit is selected for mass installation. The set of parts are re-verified using the data collected in the previous stage in the environment to determine if the set of parts selected for mass installation is valid. If valid, the set of parts are installed en masse.

Abstract: Model-based production control systems and methods are presented for constructing plans for controlling operation of a production system with a plant having a plurality of resources to achieve one or more production goals, in which a planner constructs plans for execution in the plant based on production goals while balancing both production objectives (e.g., production cost, production time) and diagnostic objectives (e.g., diagnostic cost, information gained, repair cost), and a diagnosis engine determines a current plant condition based on a previously executed plan and corresponding observations from the plant, and provides expected information gain data to the planner, with the planner generating a plan that will achieve a given production goal and is improved for one or more diagnostic objectives and the expected information gain data.

Abstract: A system for demand breakout for a supply chain includes a memory operable to store a plurality of orders for at least one product. Each product may be produced using at least one precursor. The memory is also operable to store a production schedule identifying one or more resources in the supply chain, a quantity of each product and precursor scheduled to be produced by the resources, and a time period associated with production of each product and precursor. The system also includes one or more processors collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of the product that correspond to each product order. The one or more processors are also collectively operable to identify one or more particular units of one or more precursors that correspond to each product order.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include determining a material utilization for one or more assemblies having a plurality of parts. Offal data for one or more parts comprising one or more part assemblies and a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more part assemblies may be received. The blank material utilization status for the one or more part assemblies may be based on a blank material utilization status for each of the one or more parts. The offal data may be standardized to obtain standardized offal data. One or more offal utilization assignments for the part assemblies having a plurality of parts may be determined based on the standardized offal data and the blank material utilization status for the part assemblies. The offal utilization assignments may then be transmitted for assignment to the one or more part assemblies.

Abstract: A method and system for allowing a vehicle dealer and manufacturer to match dealer orders and manufacturing plant shipments easily and equitably are disclosed. The method significantly decreases processing time, saving valuable time, money, and manpower resources. An automated linear expression calculation for determining and balancing vehicle allocation allows for equitable balancing of manufacturing plant orders and efficient optimization. The linear expression calculation may be performed in an iterative series of steps. The linear expression calculation handles a plurality of attribute features, thereby accommodating a plurality of dealer requests and vehicle options. The linear expression calculation creates a matrix representing the plurality of attribute features, and with each iteration the values within the matrix are refined and optimized, with the resulting matrix representing an optimized and balanced allocation of manufacturing plant production orders among a plurality of manufacturing plants.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the invention, an optimal allocation of items to meet a particular order is calculated. The items, then, may be allocated to the order according to the calculated allocation. In one set of embodiments, a procedure may be implemented to allocate items so as to provide an amount of material closest to the ordered amount. In another set of embodiments, a procedure may be implemented to allocate items so as to minimize the number of items chosen while still remaining within a tolerance for the order (which may be established by customer policy, company policy, etc.).

Abstract: A system and a method enable supply chain solutions for regulated industries. The embodiments facilitate regulatory and tax compliance management integrated with smart inventory and e-warehouse management solutions. The embodiments are applicable to heavily regulated industries such as, for example, beverages, food, oil, pharmachemicals, and chemicals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses enable generation of a managed space layout model defining permissible pathways for travel through the managed space. Each permissible pathway can be defined as a line segment or an edge bounded by coordinate pairs. Items and locations within the managed space are associated with permissible pathways, which association defines how the items/locations can be reached via travel through the managed space. The information can be saved as a network of nodes, which defines the intersection of the permissible pathways and includes information about the pathways. With the layout model, a path can be determined through the managed space to accomplish work in the managed space. The layout data allows a path distance to be calculated for a given work task that involves travel through the managed space.

Abstract: A manufacturing execution system contains a depicting device for depicting at least a part of a productive process to a hierarchically structured set of entities and an application programming interface for managing data in a data base and for inputting a tree into the application programming interface. The tree representing a hierarchical relationship between at least two entities of the hierarchically structured set of entities. A program device provides a method accessible by the application programming interface. The method is adapted to manipulate the hierarchically structured set of entities. A manipulating device is provided for manipulating the entities of the tree according to the method.

Abstract: A novel and non-obvious method, system and apparatus for tuning order configurator performance by dynamic integration of manufacturing and field feedback information. A method for dynamically tuning order configurator behavior by using product issue data can include collecting product issue data for a manufactured product, the product issue data including performance and attribute information of a part of the manufactured product, analyzing the collected product issue data to identify a problematic part, and, modifying the order configurator using the analyzed product issue data.

Abstract: A process of forming three-dimensional (3D) die. A plurality of wafers are tested for die that pass (good die) or fail (bad die) predetermined test criteria. Two tested wafers are placed in proximity to each other. The wafers are aligned in such a manner so as to maximize the number of good die aligned between the two wafers. The two wafers are then bonded together and diced into individual stacks of bonded good die.

Abstract: A system and method of optimizing a manufacturing process so as to reduce toxic waste in the process. In an embodiment, the method includes: describing the manufacturing process using a plurality of nodes, each node representing a component or a process; connecting the plurality of nodes with directed edges to form a directed graph, the directed graph representing possible manufacturing process flows from a begin node to an end node; assigning to each edge a value representative of a cost resulting from toxic waste generated by a component or process; and determining a shortest path from the begin node to the end node in the directed graph to identify manufacturing process flow having a minimum cost.

Abstract: A method and a system propagate a scaling mode in a production process controlled and executed by a manufacturing executing system (MES). The method includes the steps of providing a production request in terms of an initial quantity of a predetermined product to be produced, identifying the predetermined product by a predetermined production rule thereby dividing the production rule in a number of segment requirements that represent production actions, and defining within the segment requirements resources required to produce the required quantity. A rescaling attribute is defined and is aligned with each of the resources in a production request tree. An interface to the MES is used to update the quantity of the predetermined product to be produced and to recalculate in response to the update, the resources required to produce the updated quantity by applying a rescaling factor calculated from the initial quantity and the updated quantity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dynamic automation, in which collaborative elements, such as humans and mobile robots, but also machines, co-operate, in order to carry out tasks as efficiently as possible. Each of said collaborative elements carries out a part of a working process which exploits the concept of collaboration the most in terms of efficiency, flexibility, quality and performance. The invention also relates to a control system for carrying out said method. The inventive method can be applied in logistics, especially storage logistics, such as commissioning.

Abstract: In a method, device, and computer-readable medium for finite capacity scheduling, heuristic rules are applied in two integrated stages: Job Prioritization and Machine Selection. During Job Prioritization (“JP”), jobs are prioritized based on a set of JP rules which are machine independent. During Machine Selection (“MS”), jobs are scheduled for execution at machines that are deemed to be best suited based on a set of MS rules. The two-stage approach allows scheduling goals to be achieved for performance measures relating to both jobs and machines. For example, machine utilization may be improved while product cycle time objectives are still met. Two user-configurable options, namely scheduling model (job shop or flow shop) and scheduling methodology (forward, backward, or bottleneck), govern the scheduling process. A memory may store a three-dimensional linked list data structure for use in scheduling work orders for execution at machines assigned to work centers.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, and associated computer program products and systems, are disclosed for generating electronic data for use in planning the execution of a manufacturing process. The methods, generally, are used in the structural transformation of execution-level routings for manufacturing processes into planning-level routings. The methods applies various transformation techniques when a planning-level routing includes alternative paths, and different transformation techniques when a planning-level routing includes parallel paths. Planning modes are created in the case of alternative paths, and parallel paths generally do not cause multiple modes to be created. Parallel and alternative paths in a planning-level operation also has impacts on how the a planned duration formula is determined.

Abstract: A system for determining a processing sequence of steel plates includes a constraint storage unit for storing positional constraints that define ranges of positions into which each type of steel plate is to be inserted when the steel plates are arranged in the processing sequence; a selecting unit for preferentially selecting, as a position into which a new steel plate is to be inserted in an array of steel plates already arranged in the processing sequence, a position having a larger expectation value of the number of steel plates that can be further inserted into the array of steel plates after the insertion of the new steel plate while satisfying the positional constraints; and an inserting unit for inserting the new steel plate into the selected position and for outputting data indicating the array of steel plates after the insertion.

Abstract: A production planning system creates executable an production plan for a production workplace while adjusting production capacity giving consideration to a period where production capacity is fixed in each workplace, a period where management of workers between workplaces is possible, and a period where it is not necessary to consider production capacity because of new employment of workers.

Abstract: A goal or desired output can be stated in terms of a high-level overview in a natural language or other format. The high-level overview can be automatically partitioned into steps to be performed in order to achieve the stated goal, such as by interpreting terms within the overview, analyzing definitions, historical data or other information. Each step can be dynamically assigned to various resources distributed throughout an environment. Such resources can include agents or other machinery that are selected based on a multitude of criteria including location, availability, performance level as well as other factors. If needed, the resources can be dynamically balanced in order to achieve the desired output while mitigating wasted resources.