The automation of semiconductor factories through digitization is reshaping Smart Manufacturing to streamline the connectivity and orchestration of manufacturing processes across the entire supply chain.
But the threat of cyberattacks and viruses looms. An estimated 26 billion smart and connected manufacturing devices are expected to be online by next year. Never before has the need been greater to protect the staggering volume of manufacturing data traversing increasingly intricate supply chain networks.
“We are living in the time of digital manufacturing,” said Chen Chi-Hsien, Director of TSMC’s Manufacturing Technology Center. “Processes ranging from assembling equipment and upgrading hardware and software are increasing security challenges for semiconductor manufacturers. With viruses and malware constantly evolving to pose greater threats, all members of the supply chain – from manufacturing and equipment to operating system and software/firmware providers – should work together within the SEMI Smart Manufacturing platform to establish cybersecurity standards across the industry. Doing so will also enhance the development of smart manufacturing and accelerate digitalization.”
Representatives from Tongfu Microelectronics, Adlink, NSHC, ABB, TSMC, ASE and Microsoft with SEMI CMO and SEMI Taiwan president Terry Tsao (left to right)
Chi-Hsien offered his insights at the SEMI Smart Manufacturing and Cybersecurity Seminar, joining speakers from other leading semiconductor manufacturers including TFME and ASE to discuss the latest smart manufacturing trends and cybersecurity challenges. The April event in Hsinchu also featured representatives from ABB, Adlink, Microsoft, Rockwell, Siemens, Delta Electronics and the National Center for High-Performance Computing (NCHC) offering their views on how the semiconductor industry can speed its digital transformation using various technologies.
With its 43 years’ experience in developing international standards, SEMI is committed to serving as the platform to establish universal information security standards for silicon wafer plants and semiconductor equipment, Terry Tsao, SEMI chief marketing officer and SEMI Taiwan president, said at the seminar.
Tsao added that SEMI is now in discussions with leading semiconductor manufacturers to establish a communications framework for addressing potential security risks and facilitating the development of risk management and security solutions that safeguard the semiconductor supply chain.
This year SEMI will debut its SMART Manufacturing EXPO to gather key supply chain players for critical discussions about security and to feature AI manufacturing and cybersecurity solutions. Co-located with SEMICON Taiwan, September 18-20, 2019, at TaiNEX 1 (Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1), the SMART Manufacturing EXPO will include Smart manufacturing hardware and software providers from around the world for the interdisciplinary discussions and collaboration key to developing strong Smart manufacturing security.
For more information about the SEMI Smart Manufacturing Platform, contact Emmy Yi of SEMI Taiwan at eyi@semi.org.
Emmy Yi is a marketing specialist at SEMI Taiwan.