From Insight to Action: Elevating Employee Efficiency with Smart Detection and Targeted Data Delivery (joint presentation with ST Microelectronics)

Holland Smith
Director of Data Science
INFICON

Abstract
In an era where it is increasingly easy to be overwhelmed by data, timely and efficient decision-making is critical to maintaining optimal factory operations. This talk will highlight the results of a joint collaboration between INFICON and ST Microelectronics. Together, we are developing an innovative application aimed at transforming how factories operate and respond to challenges. In addition to providing real-time tracking of key performance indicators (KPIs), the application detects various types of operational anomalies. These anomalies are automatically assessed to determine their potential impact, and the application allows workflow management by assigning tasks to the appropriate factory workers, ensuring rapid response and resolution. Our collaboration is focused on enhancing employee efficiency by delivering data that is specifically tailored to each worker's role, minimizing information overload, and providing actionable insights exactly when and where they are needed. By combining comprehensive operations tracking with smart detection and targeted data delivery, this solution enables semiconductor factories to operate with greater precision and reduced downtime.

Biography
Dr. Holland Smith is Director of Data Science at INFICON IMS, where he leads AI initiatives spanning classical machine learning to LLM-based agentic AI systems across INFICON's software and smart sensor portfolio. His team's high level focus is the transformation of semiconductor and industrial manufacturing operations through optimization, intelligent automation and predictive analytics.Holland joined INFICON FPS in 2016, where he architected and deployed Smart Manufacturing systems in 200mm and 300mm fabs worldwide. As a semiconductor data systems expert and contributing developer of the INFICON FPS Digital Twin, he enables advanced fab scheduling, optimized WIP movement, and predictive manufacturing capabilities. Dr. Smith has published research and spoken widely on automated throughput and cycle time forecasting that enables high-fidelity fab modeling across multiple time horizons.Prior to INFICON, Holland worked as a Technology Development Engineer at Intel D1D/X in Hillsboro, OR, focusing on thin film process development and subfab optimization for challenging deposition processes. Dr. Smith earned a PhD and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Solid State Physics and a B.S. with Honors in Engineering Physics from UC Berkeley, plus a B.A. with Honors in Slavic Languages from Stanford University.Joint Presentation with: Thomas Gimmig has twenty-five years of experience in semiconductor manufacturing. After holding various positions in maintenance, engineering, and production management at ST Microelectronics, finishing as Production Director of the Rousset plant in 2019, he moved to manufacturing central functions in 2022. Initially, he was in charge of Front-End Operational Excellence programs, developing the LEAN leaders community, and leading smart manufacturing transformation programs. He recently became the head of Industry 4.0 programs for ST Microelectronics manufacturing. Thomas Gimmig holds a master's degree in electronics.