ILOG is to market their semiconductor production scheduling, ILOG Fab PowerOps, to IBM’s manufacturing execution systems (MES) customers. IBM will market ILOG FPO under the ILOG brand name to its installed base of SiView, LCDView and other View MES product customers.
The agreement between ILOG and IBM is expected to result in new product revenue opportunities and service engagements for both companies. The services will be provided through IBM Technology Collaboration Solutions and IBM Global Business Services, with support from ILOG’s Professional Services group.
ILOG’s FPO also improved visibility over in-process fab status, resulting in a more efficient plant that is more responsive to change.
“IBM is a leading technology provider to the semiconductor industry, so there is no better company from our perspective to market FPO in conjunction with their SiView and LCDView offerings,” says Pierre Haren, the Chairman and CEO of ILOG. “This alliance with IBM will enable us to increase both our market reach and technology advantage, especially in Asia, where much of the growth in semiconductor manufacturing is happening. This agreement is the latest example of our growing collaboration with IBM. “
“We’ve already seen increases in fab productivity due to the relationship with ILOG,” adds Elizabeth Williamson, the Director of 300mm Manufacturing Operations at IBM. “The enhanced dispatch scheduling capabilities that are provided by FPO have resulted in quantifiable benefits in IBM’s 300mm facility, resulting in faster time to market for our customers.”
With ILOG FPO, a scheduling problem can be addressed based on the current status of the fab environment, giving users more control over unplanned events, such as tool interruptions, recipe qualifications and hot lots. The tools are expected to reduce capital equipment outlay by leveraging existing capacity. In addition, FPO’s custom configuration options mean that each process can be tailored to meet the requirements of each individual customer’s fab.