The PEER Group Inc. today announced plans to incorporate the International SEMATECH 300mm Equipment Integration and Automation Conformance Tests into its Automation Conformance (ACT) service. This methodology was developed by International SEMATECH on behalf of its member companies and the semiconductor industry during the 300mm Equipment Automation Software Conformance Testing project. This new level of professional service will complement PEER Group's current Automation Capabilities Management (ACM) services, which provide supplier guidance and tool testing expertise to IC manufacturers to ensure that new equipment meets end-user specific fab automation requirements. PEER Group® has provided technical resources to consortia for the execution of this activity.
A Letter of Intent has been signed with International SEMATECH to license the ISMT tests and methodologies as a first step toward providing the ISMT tests as part of the PEER Group ACT service offering.
“Our tests have demonstrated that objective testing to known criteria, with established metrics and a methodology for improvement, can accelerate equipment automation software conformance to SEMI® standards and IC maker operational requirements,” stated Steve Fulton, International SEMATECH project manager for Fab Productivity. “We offer this opportunity to third-party testing service companies such as PEER Group to enable cost savings for both IC makers and equipment suppliers.”
Robert Harris, president of PEER Group explains, “The SEMATECH test methodology has proven to us that it is capable of achieving the results our customers' desire. Consequently, we are investing in people, technology, and training for our ACT service infrastructure so that we can provide tool testing services for a large number of equipment suppliers.” Harris concludes, “This means IC manufacturers can be confident that when specifying measurable requirements to their suppliers for new equipment orders, there will be a professional service provider capable of meeting their needs for automation conformance testing.”
PEER Group provides leading-edge factory automation software solutions and consulting services to advanced manufacturers and OEMs in the semiconductor, electronics, life sciences and automotive industries. Many of the world's best manufacturing companies turn to PEER Group to solve their most challenging equipment automation, data management and custom application development problems. PEER Group partners with leading software and automation companies to assure the most efficient delivery of highly-functional, reliable and scalable solutions.
International SEMATECH (ISMT) is a global semiconductor technology development consortium that has effectively represented the semiconductor manufacturing industry on innovation issues since 1988. ISMT conducts state-of-the-art research, and is a highly-regarded technology partner whose goal is to promote the interests common to all chipmakers. It has extensive experience collaborating with equipment and materials suppliers, as well as government and academic research centers, to refine the tools and technology necessary to produce future generations of chips. Additional information may be found at www.sematech.org. SEMATECH, the SEMATECH logo, International SEMATECH, and the International SEMATECH logo are registered servicemarks of SEMATECH, Inc. All other servicemarks and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Bill Schmalz, Global OEM Sales Managerbill.schmalz@peergroup.com1 519-749-9554
© 2003 The PEER Group Inc