Potential for utilization of radio frequency identification in the semiconductor manufacturing intermediate supply chain

Abstract

This paper investigates one specific portion of the supply chain between a semiconductor manufacturer and one of its major customers. The purpose is to dive deeply into one particular segment of the logistical process between these two entities--namely, the function of transport and storage of microprocessors after semiconductor fabrication facilities and before placement of those microprocessors into products at the customer site--to determine whether there exists a value proposition for implementing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology in this process. Specifically, the current process was observed and recorded; then two possible amendments to that process are promulgated and discussed--one which implements box-level traceability (BLT) and one which implements unit-level traceability (ULT). The proposed processes attempt to maintain as strict an adherence as possible to the nature and needs of the current process since the purpose of the study is to determine whether RFID technology alone, independent of major software or process revision, can benefit this portion of the supply chain. Observations and learnings at both BLT and ULT are discussed as well as key learnings for the effectiveness of RFID within this particular process.