Advanced MES for Semiconductor Production

Critical Manufacturing Debuts at SEMICON West with Next-Gen MES and AI for Smarter Chip Production

First-Time Exhibition for Advanced Manufacturing Solutions

Critical Manufacturing, a top-tier provider of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), will make its inaugural appearance at SEMICON West 2025. The event takes place from October 7-9 in Phoenix, Arizona. Attendees will see firsthand how the company’s integrated MES and data platform deliver critical insights. These tools help semiconductor producers optimize high-precision manufacturing lines effectively.

Gaining Complete Production Visibility and Control

Manufacturers face immense pressure from complex supply chains and advanced chip production. Critical Manufacturing MES directly addresses these challenges. The system provides full operational visibility and end-to-end traceability. Real-time monitoring keeps wafer and die processing perfectly on track. Moreover, run-to-run control maintains process stability. The platform also allows for precise recipe adjustments for individual chambers. It integrates seamlessly with factory sorters to ensure uninterrupted wafer movement.

Leveraging an Integrated IoT Data Platform

The MES works in concert with a powerful IoT Data Platform. This combination gives production teams immediate access to contextualized data. Therefore, they can react swiftly to shop-floor changes. This rapid response minimizes process variability. Consequently, factories can sustain higher productivity levels and consistent output quality.

Introducing AI-Powered Image Analytics with c-Alice

In addition to its core MES, Critical Manufacturing will showcase c-Alice. This AI-driven image analytics solution comes from its recent acquisition of Convanit. c-Alice is specifically designed for high-stakes inspection environments. It analyzes images in real-time to identify and classify defects. Crucially, it links these findings directly to MES workflows. By merging visual intelligence with live process data, it offers engineers an unparalleled view of quality. This enables quick, informed decisions to maintain high yields in demanding semiconductor production.

Executive Perspective on Industry Needs

Jeff Peabody, VP of Sales & Business Development at Critical Manufacturing, commented on their participation. “SEMICON West is a prime venue for connecting with manufacturers about their real-world shop-floor challenges,” he said. “We want visitors to see how simple traceability, data-driven actions, and quality control become with a unified platform. Now, with c-Alice integrated into our MES, engineers gain superior insights to master complex processes. This helps them lead in this rapidly accelerating industry.”

Meeting Critical Manufacturing at the Event

This year, the company is a proud sponsor of the Smart Manufacturing Pavilion. You can find them at booth SM2. Visitors are encouraged to schedule a demo or meeting with their experts. They will demonstrate how the MES, data platform, and c-Alice combine to enable smarter, more efficient manufacturing. Critical Manufacturing is also offering a complimentary one-day pass to the event.

Industry 4.0 Readiness with Critical Manufacturing

Critical Manufacturing, a leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant and an ASMPT subsidiary, provides a modern, flexible MES. Their system helps manufacturers meet strict traceability and compliance mandates. It reduces risk through inherent closed-loop quality. The MES also integrates effortlessly with enterprise systems and factory automation. As a result, customers achieve deep intelligence and visibility across global production operations. They become truly Industry 4.0 ready. This allows them to compete effectively by adapting their operations to changing demands anywhere, at any time.

About the Parent Company: ASMPT

ASMPT is a premier global supplier of hardware and software for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. Based in Singapore, its solutions cover semiconductor assembly, packaging, and SMT industries. The company’s extensive portfolio includes everything from wafer deposition to organizing, assembling, and packaging delicate components. These parts end up in a wide array of devices like electronics, mobile communications, computing, and automotive systems. ASMPT’s close customer partnerships and continuous R&D investment yield cost-effective, industry-shaping solutions that boost productivity, reliability, and quality.

Application Scenario: Enhancing Semiconductor Fab Efficiency

Imagine a semiconductor fab struggling with yield fluctuations and slow defect response times. By implementing Critical Manufacturing’s MES and c-Alice, the fab gains real-time, AI-driven defect detection directly linked to production data. Engineers immediately see which process step is causing a specific visual defect. They can then adjust recipes on the affected chambers almost instantly, drastically reducing scrap and improving overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). This integrated approach turns reactive quality control into a proactive, predictive process.

Author’s Insight on MES and AI Convergence

The integration of AI-powered image analytics like c-Alice into a mature MES platform is a significant trend. It moves beyond simple data collection to actionable intelligence. In semiconductor manufacturing, where margins are thin and process windows are narrow, this synergy is not just beneficial—it’s becoming essential. This approach closes the loop between visual inspection and process control, a longstanding industry challenge. Companies that leverage such integrated platforms will likely lead in both yield and time-to-market for advanced nodes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the primary benefit of an MES in semiconductor manufacturing?
It provides complete traceability, real-time process control, and seamless integration with automation, which is crucial for high-mix, high-volume fabs.

How does c-Alice differ from traditional machine vision systems?
c-Alice uses AI for real-time defect classification and, critically, directly links results to MES workflows, providing contextualized data for immediate corrective action.

Why is the integration of MES and an IoT Data Platform important?
This integration contextualizes vast amounts of machine data, empowering teams to respond quickly to production changes and minimize variability.

How does Critical Manufacturing help achieve Industry 4.0 goals?
Their flexible MES provides the foundational data layer and connectivity needed for smart manufacturing, enabling data-driven decisions and adaptive operations.

What is run-to-run control, and why is it vital for chipmaking?
Run-to-run control uses data from previous process runs to automatically adjust subsequent runs, maintaining process stability and consistency critical for nanometer-scale production.