Thomas R. Pomorski, Brooks Automation

ABSTRACT 

The one constant in manufacturing operations is change. Learning and improving faster than the competition may be the only lasting competitive advantage in this new environment. This presentation will review continuous improvement practices and methodologies, such as Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM), Lean Manufacturing and Learning Organizations that are commonly deployed to optimise manufacturing effectiveness. Discussion will include the role of automation in continuous improvement programs, as well as the contribution of equipment productivity to overall manufacturing performance during each stage of the fab life cycle.