Spare parts expense management system

The reporting and understanding of materials spending is essential for a cost-effective manufacturing facility. At IBM in Essex Junction, Vermont, a Spare Parts Expense Management System is being used to manage and control spending. The system goes beyond simply reporting spare parts spending. Combined with a cost model developed by the same team, this system results in an integrated approach that provides first-order analysis and metrics of spending by part number and tool. The system also provides aggregate analysis and metrics showing spending by tool group and process type. Second-order analysis of spending provides an understanding of spending by wafer type or "technology". This second-order data also enables dynamic target setting. Data is communicated via daily meetings, e-mail reports, and a web-based reporting tool. This approach ensures active engagement of the entire maintenance team, from technician through senior management, and provides the team with the analytical tools necessary to isolate opportunities for spending reduction.