Build vs. Buy: Installed Base Management Strategy for Semiconductor Fabs

Legacy systems can't track today's 5nm-generation equipment, leaving service teams blind to configuration drift and EOL exposure.

In Brief

Semiconductor OEMs face critical decisions: build custom asset tracking systems or adopt platforms. Strategy depends on equipment complexity, fab scale, and lifecycle needs. Hybrid approaches balance control with speed.

The Strategic Decision Point

Configuration Drift Costs

When asset records don't match actual tool configurations, maintenance windows extend and recipe consistency suffers. Legacy systems can't track recipe versioning across EUV and DUV lithography tools.

18% Configuration Mismatch Rate

Missed Upgrade Windows

Without visibility into installed base lifecycle status, OEMs miss optimal timing for chamber kit upgrades and process tool retrofits. Reactive approaches delay customer fab efficiency gains.

34% Upgrade Opportunities Lost

Contract Attachment Gaps

When asset records lack contract linkage, renewal opportunities disappear. Service teams can't proactively reach out before preventive maintenance agreements expire.

$12M Annual Renewal Revenue at Risk

Strategic Approach: Hybrid Platform Model

Build approaches offer full control but require years of development and continuous maintenance as equipment generations evolve. Custom systems become technical debt when process tools advance from 7nm to 3nm nodes.

The platform brings pre-built asset tracking and lifecycle management that deploys in weeks, not years. Bruviti integrates with existing fab systems while exposing APIs for custom workflow automation, letting you extend without rebuilding core infrastructure.

What You Gain

  • Deploy in 6 weeks instead of 18-month build cycles, accelerating visibility gains.
  • Reduce configuration drift by 70% through automated telemetry reconciliation.
  • Increase contract renewals 22% via proactive lifecycle alerts.

See It In Action

Semiconductor Fab Application

How It Works for Your Equipment

Semiconductor process tools generate dense telemetry streams from recipe execution, chamber conditions, and consumable status. The platform ingests this data to build real-time asset profiles that track configuration state, usage patterns, and maintenance history.

For EUV lithography systems running sub-5nm processes, the platform correlates reticle changes, light source maintenance, and environmental conditions to predict when preventive maintenance windows should open. Etch and deposition tools benefit from automated tracking of chamber kit lifecycles and gas flow calibration drift.

Implementation Roadmap

  • Start with high-value lithography tools where downtime costs exceed $1M per hour.
  • Connect fab MES and SECS/GEM interfaces to auto-populate configuration baselines and telemetry feeds.
  • Track contract attachment rates and PM agreement compliance over 90-day pilot cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a hybrid platform deployment take compared to building custom?

Platform deployment typically completes in 6-8 weeks from contract to production go-live, including integration with existing fab systems. Custom builds require 12-18 months for initial functionality, plus ongoing development costs as equipment generations evolve.

Can the platform handle the complexity of EUV lithography tool configurations?

Yes. The system tracks multi-layered configurations including reticle versions, light source calibrations, environmental controls, and recipe parameters. It reconciles intended configurations against actual telemetry data to detect drift before it impacts yield.

What integration is required with existing fab MES systems?

The platform connects via standard SECS/GEM interfaces and REST APIs to ingest equipment telemetry, recipe data, and maintenance logs. It does not replace your MES but augments it with AI-powered analytics and lifecycle tracking.

How do I avoid vendor lock-in with a platform approach?

The platform exposes full APIs for data extraction and custom workflow integration. Your data remains accessible for migration, and you can build custom extensions using standard development tools. This contrasts with proprietary systems that trap data in closed formats.

What ROI timeline should I expect for installed base management platforms?

Most semiconductor OEMs see payback in 8-12 months through improved contract renewal rates, reduced configuration-related downtime, and optimized spare parts inventory. The exact timeline depends on installed base size and current asset tracking maturity.

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