Abstract
This thesis discusses a systematic approach to analyze cycle time performance in a semiconductor final testing factory in Singapore. We extracted manufacturing transaction data from a new manufacturing execution system (MES). We assessed and improved data quality through rounds of data verifications and revealed the capability of the MES. By analyzing the cycle time data, we evaluated the factors that influence each cycle time component. We showed that key opportunities for cycle time reduction lie in tackling waiting time and lot on--hold time. In addition, we showed that the high coefficient of variation in cycle time components is another focus for reducing cycle time. Based on statistical data analysis and onsite investigation, we provided various recommendations to reduce cycle time in the factory. The recommendations include a method to construct statistical cycle time estimation, the deployment of dedicated lines for high demand products to reduce setup time, monitoring and managing waiting time for all lots to reduce the difference in waiting time, generating daily reports to drive down lots on--hold time and optimizing machine capacity allocation to balance cycle time across processes.