Methodology and Software for Maximizing Semiconductor R&D Return on Investment
Alexander A. Silbey, Director of Professional Services Numetrics Management Systems, Inc.
Abstract
The management of IC design projects is in disarray. IC design teams consistently underestimate design complexity with respect their productivity. The result: 85 percent of projects miss schedules by 6 to 12 months??? Moreover, critical R&D manpower is often wasted on projects that are eventually cancelled as a result of poor schedule forecasting and resourcing. Gaining control over the IC development process results in fewer project cancellations, increased design productivity greater profitability.
This presentation explains a methodology and system that rapidly and automatically synthesizes accurate project plans. The system enables the exploration of project plan alternatives while trading off budget, schedule and product content against each other. By creating a valid project plan and tracking deviations from the plan, teams accurately predict and control their work. This provides a basis for learning and improvement -- it exposes the design process bottlenecks and identifies factors that perturb the process most significantly.