Applying Operating Curve Principles to Non-Manufacturing Processes to Gain Efficiency and Effectiveness in Global Semiconductor Supply Chains

In today's volatile and complex world, non-manufacturing processes are crucial for global agile and, thus, resilient semiconductor supply chains. Examples of non-manufacturing processes include new product samples, fab overarching process flows, and enabling processes. This conceptual paper begins with the hypothesis that operating curve principles from manufacturing can also be applied to non-manufacturing processes. To achieve this, we needed to understand why the principles of operating curves and flow factors lead to efficiency and effectiveness in semiconductor manufacturing. Our goal was to determine how these principles can be applied to broader contexts and specific use cases. The initial experimental results are promising. Furthermore, it is essential to assess how non-manufacturing processes are structured. The paper concludes with examples demonstrating the potential to bridge the efficiency gap between manufacturing and non-manufacturing processes. The ultimate goal is to match both efficiency levels, thus opening new opportunities within global semiconductor supply chains.