Asyst, Facts partner on automation software conformance testing

Asyst Technologies Inc. and Facts Inc. have agreed to jointly ensure that users requiring objective conformance assessments will be able to access Asyst's software products and implementations and stringent automation guidelines established by International Sematech.

By Control Engineering Staff June 2, 2005

Asyst Technologies Inc . and Facts Inc . have agreed to jointly ensure that users requiring objective conformance assessments will be able to access Asyst’s software products and implementations and stringent automation guidelines established by International Sematech. Asyst supplies integrated automation solutions that enhance semiconductor and flat-panel display manufacturing productivity. Facts delivers automation capability management services, and is licensed by International Sematech to supply independent, third-party software conformance testing.

Semiconductor manufacturers require consistent automation implementations throughout the enterprise to deliver operational reliability. This mandatory equivalence demands that all tools in the factory be provided with a common set of predefined computer instructions, as well as a constant set of material-handling characteristics. Prior to delivery of a tool to the fab, a complete validation of tool automation functionality is necessary. The same process is also needed for tools that have recently undergone significant software revisions or upgrades.

“We fully support the semiconductor industry’s efforts to define a common set of benchmarks with which to gauge the effectiveness of a specific automation implementation, and our agreement with Facts is demonstrative of our commitment to meet this industry need,” says Paula LuPriore, Asyst’s connectivity solutions VP and GM. “This agreement with Facts strengthens our position as the industry’s preferred source for all 300-mm factory automation software and hardware solutions, including our next-generation software products in support of equipment integration, station control, and Semi’s new Interface A and EDA standards.”

Thomas Hogel, Facts’ president, adds that, “Asyst’s proactive support for independent, third-party automation testing demonstrates its commitment to ensuring that their products and services meet or exceed industry guidelines and will give their customers a clear competitive advantage. This agreement will help to significantly reduce the industry price point for these services, and allow Facts to continue to improve both the quality of our service and customer responsiveness.”

—Jim Montague, news editor, Control Engineering, jmontague@reedbusiness.com