Precision at Scale:
Why Service Management is Essential
for Semiconductor Manufacturers

The semiconductor industry is a critical sector that designs, manufactures, and distributes semiconductor devices—materials that have electrical conductivity between a conductor and an insulator. These devices are the foundational components of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones and computers to electric vehicles, industrial machinery, and advanced medical equipment. 

At the core of the industry are integrated circuits (ICs), microprocessors, memory chips, and sensors, which are essential for computing, communication, and automation. The industry is highly globalized, with a complex supply chain involving chip designers (like NVIDIA and AMD), foundries (such as TSMC and Samsung), equipment manufacturers (like ASML), and raw material suppliers. 

Demand for microchips continues to surge—fueled by everything from smartphones and EVs to AI and defense tech. Yet the path to delivering cutting-edge semiconductors is fraught with operational complexity, razor-thin margins, and extreme sensitivity to unplanned downtime. 

To remain competitive, semiconductor manufacturers need more than just advanced equipment—they need intelligent, proactive Service Management. 

Semiconductors: Driving the Digital Economy

 ​The semiconductor industry has experienced significant growth in recent years. According to Statista, global semiconductor sales were expected to reach approximately $626.87 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting an 11.2% increase to $697.18 billion in 2025. ​

 Much of this growth is driven by: 

• The automotive and EV boom
• AI chips and data centers 
• Rising adoption of smart devices 
• Reshoring and fab expansions across the U.S., EU, and Asia 

 But the stakes are higher than ever. 

 The financial impact of unplanned downtime in semiconductor manufacturing is substantial. While specific figures can vary, some reports indicate that unplanned downtime in semiconductor plants can cost approximately $1 million per hour. ​

 McKinsey emphasizes the importance of proactive maintenance strategies in semiconductor fabs, noting that an hour of planned maintenance can typically save three to four hours of unplanned maintenance. 

Why Service Management is Critical in Fabrication Environments 

 Semiconductor manufacturing involves highly sensitive and capital-intensive equipment—photolithography machines, etchers, ion implanters, and more—all operating in tightly controlled environments. 

Key challenges that Service Management helps address include: 

• Equipment Downtime: Even a short failure in a critical machine can halt entire production runs. 
• Regulatory Compliance & Traceability: Cleanrooms and process controls require strict adherence to SOPs and documentation. 
• Complex Scheduling: Coordinating specialized maintenance crews, across multiple fab sites, often globally. 
• Limited Workforce: Skilled technicians are in short supply—especially those trained to service high-end semiconductor tools. 

IFS Service: Engineered for Precision and Uptime 

IFS Service is a leading Service Management platform trusted by complex, asset-intensive industries—including high-tech manufacturing. 

IFS Service Key Features for Semiconductor Manufacturers: 

• Predictive Maintenance
  Use AI and IoT to detect anomalies and forecast failures—preventing downtime before it happens. 
• Asset & Parts Visibility
  Manage high-value equipment across fab floors, cleanrooms, and global sites with centralized asset tracking and inventory control. 
• Advanced Technician Scheduling
  AI-powered tools ensure the right technician, with the right part and certification, is deployed at the right time. 
• Regulatory Compliance & E-Signatures
  Automate compliance checks and service reporting to meet industry standards like ISO, IEC, and regional regulations. 
• Field Mobility & Offline Access
  Empower technicians with real-time access to service manuals, diagnostics, and historical data—anywhere, anytime. 

Why Gogh Solutions is the Ideal Implementation Partner

With over 25 years of experience in field operations and enterprise service transformation, Gogh Solutions brings deep industry knowledge and technical implementation expertise to semiconductor manufacturers.

Gogh Delivers: 

• Industry-Specific Implementations
  We understand the nuances of cleanroom environments, multi-site fab coordination, and complex asset lifecycles. 

• Fast, Phased Deployments
  Get up and running quickly with minimal disruption—customized to your production and maintenance cycles. 
• End-to-End Support
  From scoping and configuration to post-launch optimization, we support your team every step of the way. 

As the world becomes increasingly dependent on chips, semiconductor manufacturers can’t afford reactive service models. Uptime, compliance, and efficiency are essential—and that means having a modern, intelligent Service Management solution in place.

With IFS Service as your digital service backbone, and  Gogh Solutions as your trusted implementation partner, your fab operations can scale with confidence, reliability, and control. 

 Want to explore how Service Management can transform your fab maintenance strategy? Let’s Gogh!