A Production Planning Framework for Slim MES in TFT-LCD Lines

This paper presents a framework for production planning for a Slim MES(Manufacturing Execution System) of module operations in TFT-LCD(Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Display) production lines. There are differences in the line configurations and functions among the module operations in the TFT-LCD production systems. This paper presents the framework for the customized MES reflecting these differences. First, a production process is figured out through the analysis of the TFT-LCD module operations. Next, a mathematical modeling is presented reflecting the constraints of shop floors and an optimal schedule is presented through a case example. And a scheduling process using the dispatching rules reflecting the status of shop floors is presented and the performances are measured and compared. Finally, a design process for the Slim MES framework is presented.