Applied's Upgrades Turnkey MES Solution for Solar

Designed to help accelerate the production ramp of emerging technologies in the solar, LED and chip packaging industries, SmartFactory can be deployed in less than 60 days to improve product quality, boost productivity and cut operational costs, the Applied Materials said.

SmartFactory is also the first MES available with integrated advanced process control (APC) capability, which could enable customers to achieve higher and more consistent factory output.

Based on Applied’s FAB300 MES technology, the SmartFactory system features pre-built, technology-specific scenarios to monitor every machine and all work-in-progress material movements, manage production sequencing, create an audit trail, and deliver instructions to shop floor workers via a consistent, task-focused graphical user interface.

“The SmartFactory system is designed to help factory operations in rapidly-growing industries achieve the high yields and economies of scale that can lower manufacturing cost – key to the widespread adoption of these important new technologies,” said Charlie Pappis, vice president and general manager of Applied Global Services. “With the SmartFactory system, customers can realize the benefits of Applied’s proven manufacturing automation technology with a ready-to-use solution that can be expanded as their businesses and industries grow without disrupting ongoing production.”