User group implementation with a U.S. supplier

Tool productivity or Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) is an important topic in the semiconductor industry. One strategy for increasing tool productivity involves increasing the reliability of the system. This task can be better accomplished when the factors affecting the reliability parameters are identified, corrected, and communicated. A User's Group allows all users to share data, issues, lessons learned, and best known methods which then provide the foundation for identifying and resolving barriers to productivity. Often, discussion and communication between the users and the supplier can provide an immediate basis for solutions. Further improvements will be made over time in a partnership between the supplier and the users.