LOGSOL sets standards for material logistics in cleanrooms

LOGSOL optimizes the sensitive supply chain processes of European microelectronics through data-driven planning. (Copyright: LOGSOL GmbH)

In "Silicon Saxony," sustainable European supply chains for microelectronics are emerging. A leading manufacturer is expanding its capacities and will soon produce in a new high-tech plant. Marcel Richter and Markus Störzel from LOGSOL were on site at the navigation center of the new factory, the cleanroom. The logistics and factory planners have been developing demanding supply chain and production processes with extensive expertise for years, this time directly in a highly sensitive production environment. Marcel Richter appreciated the challenge of "proving that we can set standards even in critical environments."

Phase I: Analyzed more than 10,000 material movement data points

Against this background, Markus Störzel outlines the demanding task: "Primarily manual activities around the spare parts supply for the machines should be modernized and optimized." An innovative solution was sought that manages and automates material transports for the maintenance process as needed. So far, employees manually pass parts through material gates into the "sacred halls" and transport them to the machines. Conversely, disassembled parts are returned for processing.

In January 2025, the logistics and factory planners from LOGSOL will begin data collection and analysis. The challenge is to familiarize themselves with the data volumes and identify dependencies. For two months, Marcel Richter and Markus Störzel scrutinize Excel lists with more than 10,000 material movement data points, accompanied by many discussions across different departments. "It was important not to lose anyone along the way, to bring everyone along," says Markus Störzel. Since the areas to be planned are mostly not yet constructed, LOGSOL must "question and combine various concepts."

Phase II: Developed a business model for AGVs as the preferred technology

Unmanned transport vehicles (Automated Guided Vehicles, AGVs) are emerging as the preferred technology. In the final comparison of options, the LOGSOL team evaluates three concepts, including manual alternatives, and creates a business case model with various influencing factors. The specialists demonstrate during the project that AGVs offer significant cost advantages. Challenges that still need to be addressed include the width of the pathways in the cleanroom.

Collaboration with LOGSOL has provided the customer with a great deal of orientation and transparency. For a complex problem, it proved very valuable for the company to strategically involve well-founded external expertise in the process. With their thorough economic analysis, the logistics planners make a decisive contribution to the manufacturer's site strategy in Saxony.