Production software for
ASMPT
SSI & ASMPT
Tailored production
Software with real-time data
Consulting
architecture
project management
unfolding
& operation
commercialization
concept
About ASMPT
Headquartered in Singapore, ASMPT is the only company in the world that offers high-quality solutions for all important steps in the electronics manufacturing process. The world market leader is regarded as a technology pioneer for machines, equipment and multifunctional automation concepts in intelligent semiconductor manufacturing. The offer ranges from carriers for chip connections to chip assembly and packaging to Surface Mount Technology (SMT). As an important partner to leading semiconductor and electronics manufacturers around the world, ASMPT contributes to providing cost-effective, industry-defining solutions with a focus on higher productivity, greater reliability and improved quality. Whether mobile devices, cameras, high-speed Internet computers or (electric) vehicles: Without ASMPT products, the digital world as we know it would not be possible. For more information, see www.asmpt.com
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initial situation
challenges
For the intelligent use, processing and synchronization of real-time data New production software is required from machines in a factory. The application is intended to collect data for the development of so-called key performance indicators (KPIs) in order to compare and evaluate actual performance with objectives. This production software is intended for management Real time conclusions about optimization and output potential enable individual processes and thus the entire factory. The solution used to date was based on outdated technology. So in 2017, ASMPT began internally developing its own production software called WPM (WORKS Performance Monitor). Since the application could not be transferred to production, the customer commissioned SSI, which has been an ASMPT development partner since 2017 and has successfully worked on various production software projects such as WPM, TCC and LineControl to date.
The project faced numerous challenges right from the start:
- Analyzing the functional scope of all ASMPT applications.
- Understanding existing code with limited documentation.
- Identification of core architecture issues.
- Perform software tests.
- Coordination between interdisciplinary and international teams — ASMPT Singapore, ASMPT Germany, SSI Germany and SSI Lahore.
As a solution to these requirements, ASMPT and SSI have successfully developed a new product called WPM, which uses the latest information technologies.
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procedure and
The role of SSI
As a development partner, SSI assumed responsibility for overarching technical decisions. The selection of the appropriate technology and the development processes used in the project were coordinated together with ASMPT. SSI has been introducing cutting-edge agile methods based on a SCRUM model since the start of the project. A clearly defined process, starting with the requirement collection with the product manager through to delivery of the products to the end customer in production, was carefully carried out with a high level of accuracy and taking into account the specified quality standards.
Collaboration between the various SSI and ASMPT stakeholders should take place at various stages of the product development process. In order to ensure high-quality and efficient implementation and cooperation, SSI has introduced several new processes, such as:
- Adoption of the SCRUM framework for all projects.
- Transparent creation and management of so-called product backlogs for old, current and new product versions.
- Introduction of test automation processes.
- Introduction of a system testing procedure for WPM at the end of each version. Objective: to ensure compatibility with all other ASMPT software products.
- Increased involvement in the testing process, which meant that ASMPT could now fully rely on SSI's delivery of results for quality testing. This significantly reduced testing effort at ASMPT.
- Support in WPM4.0 field tests after completion of system tests by SSI with end customers, which in turn shows a high level of trust in SSI.
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WORKS Performance Monitor [WPM] for production software
Under the technical direction of SSI, the WORKS Performance Monitor (WPM) was successfully developed and rolled out. This Key part of production software monitors production lines and displays key performance indicators in various forms in real time. The data obtained is used to monitor, troubleshoot and therefore optimize SMT production.
WORKS Performance Monitor... requirements at a glance:
- Automatic data collection and correlation in real time.
- Provision and calculation of key performance indicators (KPIs) compared to the configured goals in a clear and easy-to-understand form.
- The analysis of the monitored KPIs should be made available in various forms, which can also be visualized, in order to meet users in various roles. Plant managers, line managers and engineers to operators... the information presented is tailored to the role of the user looking at it, thus avoiding an unnecessary flood of information.
- Provide the same consistent set of KPIs, such as OEE, yield, quality, availability, and production times, which are monitored by personnel or management.
- Automatic notification or escalation to the manager or service employee when the KPIs cannot meet the configured goals.
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The solution
for the customer
The WORKS Performance Monitor (WPM) was developed using Microsoft technologies for its various components. DotNet is used on the service side to manage complex business logic, display tasks such as data reception, processing, storage in real time, and to visualize historical data. Microsoft SQL serves as the backbone for data storage and processing. The user interface uses the latest Angular framework, which ensures compatibility with modern web browsers.
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Used
technologies
DotNet framework (use of C# and WCF services, Angular for front-end development, Microsoft SQL Server for database management, ReSharper to comply with ASMPT code quality guidelines, mocking framework for unit and integration testing, GIT manages code branches for both SSI and ASMPT, TFS to manage product backlog and handle errors in existing versions;
Johannes Konrad
Senior Director R&D SMT Solutions, ASMPT
” Thanks to the full-stack development expertise and the shared spirit, we were able to successfully implement various cooperation models — from independent product development to integrated teaming. ”
Stefan Hüttner
Senior Manager systems test
” WPM is now used by over 50 customers worldwide. The proof that know-how, commitment and cooperation pay off. ”
Jürgen Sedlaczek
Program Manager, SSI
” After handing over the first incomplete version of the product, SSI migrated the WPM to a new architecture, which was able to integrate existing functionalities and add new features in a straightforward, agile process, resulting in high product quality that improved the company's business value and created trustworthy services for ASMPT and its end customers. ”
Thomas Springer
Head of Software Development Line Solutions, ASMPT
“What I appreciate about SSI is the high level of responsiveness. It allows us to respond flexibly to changing requirements. ”
Waqas Qureshi
Project Director, SSI Lahore
” Taking on a partially developed project with such a complex area entailed a number of challenges. However, adhering to the agile methodology allowed us to focus on smaller goals, which ultimately meant that we were able to develop a comprehensive, high-quality monitoring application over time. ”
The result
The WORKS Performance Monitor (WPM) production software was successfully launched just two years after the start of the cooperation (2019). WPM serves as a central application within ASMPT line solutions and forms an interface to numerous existing ASMPT applications. This allows data from various sources to be combined and presented.
From data collection to fault analysis to potential development, key performance indicators of the ASMPT production lines are processed in various forms and recommendations for action are derived. This includes retrieving calendar and factory layout information from an edge-like data collector, individual production line data from each line computer, and machine data from all machines operated in the factory. WPM then processes this data and stores it in the database. The information obtained is used to present key performance indicators (KPIs) in real time as well as for historical analyses.
The production software thus provides insights and improvement measures for up to two years after data collection.
- Customers now receive real-time notifications via email when performance deteriorates.
- Sales representatives and plant managers can easily access reports daily, weekly, or at other specified time intervals and thus evaluate the performance of individual production lines and the entire operation within minutes.
- Machine and plant operators are now better informed about their ongoing processes and can immediately view the results after adjustments have been made.
- External applications have the option to subscribe to WPM data and develop custom dashboards and charts that meet their specific needs.
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A successful journey and new milestones
Even after five years of practical use, WPM is a complete success and is constantly being expanded by SSI with new features.
- WPM is used by over 50 customers worldwide.
- The old product “Siplace Explorer” was discontinued in January 2024
- WPM becomes the only ASMPT performance monitoring product developed by SSI.
- WPM3.1 is currently already on the shop floor of several major customers, while the next version WPM3.2 is already in progress.
- SSI is now involved as a partner in several ASMPT projects.
- Since 2023, three SSI employees have been based in ASMPT's Munich office, providing on-site support and in close contact with ASMPT employees throughout the year.