| An integrated process design, planning, and stochastic-system-optimization model is developed to address dynamic process, planning, and quality requirements based on customer needs while focusing on reducing cost or increasing profit. The model optimizes the process steps to achieve the output goals while maximizing profit in the presence of engineering, business, and quality constraints or requirements. A case study from semiconductor manufacturing illustrates the value of this new approach, where process decisions take into account various work-in-process quality grades and uncertain yield rates for a new product. |
