Synchronous flow management (SFM) principles in the manufacturing of discrete power devices

Harris Semiconductor´s Mountaintop, PA facility is incorporating Synchronous Flow Management (SFM) principles in its manufacturing of Discrete Power Devices. Synchronous Flow Management (SFM) is a science of management that addresses the total flow of an organization. When employed, its economic impact is fast, direct, and often enormous. By managing the constraints that control all organizations, the achievement of the “goal” is possible. The goal in all organizations is to make money now and in the future. This paper discusses structural, managerial and behavioral constraints within the Mountaintop facility that had to be identified and controlled to implement a synchronous flow management system. Improvements in operating costs, reduced lead times, improved delivery performance and quality are highlighted