Software forms undoubtedly the core of modern manufacturing. It controls everything, from individual machine functions to complex production environments and their connection in between. At RENA, digital solutions are also an essential part of how value is added for customers.
Every new insight from customer projects, feedback, lessons learned or retrofit helps to improve products and software again and again. By taking in real production needs and combining these learnings with internal innovation roadmap, RENA continuously develops software products and add-ons which e.g. improve data monitoring, service-support, fab planning, machine capabilities, performance optimization and even customer training. RENA FlowLogX, the central comprehensive software environment, represents the basis that evolves together with the customers’ needs and is tailored to practical requirements in daily operation.
At its core FlowLogX operates the RENA tool itself, but also horizontally connects to other machines in the production line as well as vertically integrates into the fab network via MES interface. This allows the software to deliver useful insights into the current production to the fab operator. The data can then be used e.g. to further optimize processes or consumption and ultimately save production cost.
Depending on customer requests, FlowLogX can cover a wide range of industry standards, including SEMI, PV, or GAMP5. For RENA the important part is making sure operators can actually work with it on a daily basis.
A good example is SEMI E10. Based on this standard, RENA developed a new way to visualize machine status, giving operators a quick, clear picture of how the system is performing. This view works on different levels: the whole machine, a single module, or an IPS (Intended Process Set) - the specific path that material takes through the machine during processing. This makes it easy to spot issues fast and know exactly where to look.
Digitalization is spreading widely. Modern installation processes of networked high-tech machines require extensive preparation and planning efforts. To ensure seamless integration and maximize customer value from the very beginning, RENA utilizes a *digital twin* of the machine prior to its physical installation.
The digital twin simulates the hardware of a machine and integrates the resulting data into the application. This enables the possibility to run tests and verify settings before production. All functions of a real machine are also available, enabling software tests to be carried out independently of machine availability. Even integration into the fab environment via SECS/GEM interface can be set up in advance.
As a result, machine commissioning can be separated from software verification and testing. In addition to the benefits during the commissioning phase, this is also a key advantage for larger machine modifications, as it helps reduce the machine downtime for the retrofits and increases software quality during ramp-up.
Apart from machine setup, the system also enables the opportunity to conduct remote training sessions with the
customers’ operator or service team even before installation of the actual tool, utilizing real-time data and scenarios. This online training approach is very efficient and ensures that everyone is well-prepared to operate the machine correctly as soon as it is physically deployed. As a result, downtimes are minimized and production can be ramped up quickly. On top of that, the digital copy of the machine can not only be used before installation, but also during full operation to train new employees without interrupting production.
Furthermore, creation and simulation of new recipes is much easier. New parameters like e.g. process-times can be tested under real conditions. Limitations of the system can be detected virtually without risks and downtime, or throughput drop due to untested recipes.
RENA ReSolve is the next generation of the former Production Planning Tool for RENA machines and represents a development as a direct response to the customer’s needs. It is the next step towards an even more efficient and robust production environment. In addition to optimally schedule new lots inside the machine, therefore the planning tool also responds to unforeseen events, such as delays during loading and unloading or short-term errors, and adapts production planning within defined limits.
Alongside the fundamental revision of the planning algorithm, improved analysis tools have been introduced, including the evaluation and visualization of performance parameters. Producers can now see even more clearly how the individual machines perform and use the data to improve their production.
Another software tool within the RENA FlowLogX environment, which improves production and especially the throughput part of it, is RENA RePRO. This digital assistant supports process optimization when configuring new machines. The software enables detailed machine configurations, including options such as setting up alternative process tanks or defining the number of handlers to be created together with matching production recipes. These configurations for the machine can then be optimized automatically for highest throughput using RePRO. Production improvement without trial and error but with a time-saving software feature.
