Ensuring Semiconductor Foundries’ Continuous Operations and Safety with Advantech's IoT Solutions

Semiconductor foundries, the backbone of modern technology, face immense pressure to maintain continuous operations, uphold physical security, and adhere to stringent environmental, health, and safety (EHS) standards. Operating in a highly controlled environment, even the smallest disruption can result in significant production losses, highlighting the need for real-time monitoring systems. Advantech's IoT solutions provide a comprehensive approach to these critical challenges, offering real-time visibility, advanced monitoring, and proactive event management.

Foundries must navigate complex physical security protocols to safeguard sensitive equipment and materials. Unauthorized access not only threatens security but also risks causing faults that could disrupt manufacturing processes. In addition, the handling of hazardous chemicals demands strict EHS measures to prevent contamination or accidents, such as spills or leaks. These challenges are compounded by volatile supply chain dynamics, making it essential for foundries to implement an IoT solution that can address these multiple factors effectively.

First, real-time monitoring capabilities are needed to capture and analyze data from a wide range of sensors, providing immediate insights into operations and security conditions. Second, rapid event response mechanisms are essential for addressing abnormalities, equipment performance issues, and security breaches. Third, integration capabilities must be established to gather data from external sources that impact operational efficiency, such as weather conditions or supply chain alerts. Fourth, a scalable sensor network is crucial—one that can grow with the foundry’s needs while remaining easy to install and configure. Finally, user-friendly interfaces and customizable data visualizations are required to enable users to quickly interpret critical information relevant to their facilities.

To address these challenges, Advantech offers an innovative IoT solution that seamlessly integrates operational efficiency with safety. First, WISE-2000 series LoRaWAN sensors are installed at each monitoring point to collect data, such as the opening or closing gates or chemical tank control valves. The sensor data and surveillance video footage are then uploaded to the Advantech IoTSuite platform via WISE-6610 V2 industrial LoRaWAN gateways.

Administrators can manage all sensors and gateways on-site with the IoTSuite, where abnormal event rules can also be pre-configured. When an event occurs at a monitoring point, such as a door that should remain closed suddenly opens, an alert message is immediately sent to relevant staff. In the alert push messages, along with sensor data, a floor plan indicating the event's location is provided, allowing staff to quickly identify and address the issue. In addition to abnormal event notifications, IoTSuite offers a report visualization function (VisualSuite) that compiles data and statistics from each factory and generates easy-to-understand charts. For instance, it can display the number of industrial safety incidents in Factory A over the past six months, along with summaries that include timestamps and incident severity. This makes it easy for higher management to quickly grasp key information.

Moreover, access to information can be customized according to each administrator's authority level. For example, a factory director can view all the data from their specific factory, while the chief operating officer of the Taiwan region can access data from all premises in Taiwan. This setup ensures information transparency regarding industrial safety incidents while maintaining data security.

Advantech's IoT solution enhances both operational efficiency and safety by providing real-time visibility into operations, environmental conditions, and potential hazards. It allows issues to be identified and mitigated before they escalate, reducing downtime and improving overall productivity. The platform empowers informed decision-making by delivering the data and insights needed to address operational anomalies that could disrupt production. With its user-friendly interface and seamless integration of EHS protocols, the solution not only mitigates risks related to hazardous materials but also ensures compliance with stringent safety regulations.

In summary, Advantech's innovative IoT platform is transforming semiconductor foundries by providing a comprehensive framework for monitoring, management, and optimization. This technology enhances both safety and productivity, enabling foundries to navigate the complexities of modern semiconductor manufacturing while maintaining agility in a dynamic industry landscape.

Company Profile

• Established: Between 1980 and 1990
• Industry: Semiconductor
• Headquarters: Taiwan
• Operations: Chip OEM manufacturing
• Company size: Multinational corporation

Case Benefits

• Enhanced operational efficiency and safety
• Reduced downtime and improved overall productivity
• Addresses operational anomalies using real-time data
• Mitigates hazard risks according to stringent safety regulations

Advantech WISE-IoT Solutions

This project implements Advantech's software and hardware-integrated IoT solution, which includes the following: 

Software: The WISE-IoT IoTSuite data platform, enables the integration and management of industrial equipment and sensors, and data visualization.

Hardware:

1. WISE-2410 LoRaWAN Wireless Sensor
2. WISE-6610 V2 Industrial LoRaWAN Gateway