Week 11 - 28 Dec 2012 - Fri

52nd day at SSMC.

Today, I had done some final editing to the Excel files that I've improved for the project to prepare for 2013. Miss Pascale said that the files have to be workable when they switch over to use my improved version. Hence this morning started off with editing the Excel files.

My next task for the day after finishing the editing of the Excel files was to update a report to the latest template as the report was done using the older template. I had copied the information into the latest template and slight adjustments on the alignment of points were done.

After which, my next task was assigned. I had another report to update and for this report, I had added new information and pictures sent by Miss Pascale. I had read through the report to figure out where to insert the new information and pictures. (^^)

All tasks are done for today. Next Monday is the year end celebration! Wonder if there will be any task to do? (^^)

Week 11 - 27 Dec 2012 - Thu

51st day at SSMC.

Today started my day with trouble shooting of the improved version of Excel file for the project that I've done. As I had experienced some errors in the data after the last macro had finished running yesterday. Hence, I had started resolving the problem starting this morning.

Fortunately, the problem was resolved after 30 minutes of trouble shooting. And after knowing the cause of the problem, I reported it to Miss Pascale and she said that it is valid. (^^)

After which, we proceeded to time the whole process' execution time from the first step of clicking the macro till the last step being the last macro finished running. My improved version had taken 1 minutes and 48 seconds.

On the other hand, the original version took 3 minutes and 10 seconds fir the same steps to be done. And Miss Pascale said that mine is consideredsuccessful! (^^)

After we are done with the Excel file, I had received my next task for today. I had helped to update a form whereby I had updated a new map for one of the areas. The new map was the one that I had mentioned in yesterday's post where I had went into the fab to check the measuring points.

Next, I had also updated an Excel file whereby I had inserted the data for 2012 Q3 and Q4 into the spreadsheets.

These are all for today. (^^)

Week 11 - 26 Dec 2012 - Wed

50th day at SSMC.

Today, my first task for the day was to update an Excel file's information. I had to open up the test reports, sent by Miss Pascale, individually for every test report, to check for the description on the type of box, whether it is double or single box, whether it is grind or  non-grind and lastly, whether it is round box, SEH box or crystalpak box.

After checking the type of box, I had to indicate in the title column the 3 checking mentioned. I guess this task is still considered easy. (^^)

My next task was to create a flow chart, using PowerPoint, with the given information drafted by Miss Pascale. The kinda challenge part for this task should be the part where I was suppose to squeeze everything into 1 slide yet it must be clear. But I had still managed to do it.

Carried on, I had helped Miss Pascale to create a new summary table on the agenda during her business trip to Taiwan. That was also an easy task. (^^)

At around 4pm, I had visited the fab to help check the measuring points that Miss Pascale had wanted to add. However, there is equipment located there and the path to the measuring points is kinda small and is quite difficult for the MAs to push the particle counter to the measuring points.

Thus, Miss Pascale had dropped the idea in the end as there is no point adding them.

That's all for today. (^^)

Week 11 - 24 Dec 2012 - Mon

49th day at SSMC.

Today is Christmas Eve! SSMC has early release at 3pm! Yeah! (^^)

This morning, I had updated a report on the customer code. I had deleted some and added new customer codes according to the list given by Miss Pascale.

After which, I had helped to calculate some values for one analysis PowerPoint which had been left aside last week. Miss Pascale had found the correct formula to calculate the value today. (^^)

All tasks, assignments, work are done for today. I had lunch together with Miss Pascale, other colleagues and Ting Min. Time was passing real fast today and since the early release today was 3pm, everyone was rushing to get their work done today before 3pm.

Tomorrow is holiday so is resting day. Hahaha (^^)

Week 10 - 21 Dec 2012 - Fri

48th day at SSMC.

Today, I had helped to pick up wafers from the fab and brought them back to the office. Before bringing the wafers back to the office, I had spent awhile checking the number of wafers in the gowning room and then checked the wafers out at the counter.

After bringing back the wafers, I was tasked to update one analysis PowerPoint slides. I had to extract data from Excel file and then do some calculations in table format. Then, lastly copy the table and paste into the PowerPoint slides.

In the afternoon, I had helped to deliver the wafers, gotten in the morning, to a person named Ivy at second floor and in turn found out that it was somewhere near my friend. LOL.    So, I've gone over to say hi.

The last thing that I have done for the day was to update another report. This time, I had only inserted new pictures and indicated the changes that I've done.

And that's all for today. Next week Monday will be half day!! Monday will end at 3pm. Yeah!! (^^)

Week 10 - 20 Dec 2012 - Thu

47th day at SSMC.

Today, I had helped to update 2 different reports. I had edited the flow chart for one of the report, added the edited diagrams into the report as well as inserted new information and pictures into the report.

For the second report, I had only edited the information given from Miss Pascale.

I had also updated the PowerPoint slides on the year end celebration agenda that I have created yesterday. I had added some pictures found on the Internet and after which I had sent the PowerPoint slides to my manager.

Today had nothing much to share but time was flying for today. (^^)

Week 10 - 19 Dec 2012 - Wed

46th day at SSMC.

Today, I had another discussion with the game organisers for the year end celebration. We finalised what games to be played and the things required for playing these games. We had also thought of what prizes to get for the participants.

Although there's competition among the 4 teams, there will be prizes given to all  participants. Just that, the 1st winning team will receive better valued prizes as compared to other teams.

After which, I had continued to do some PowerPoint slides on the games that Selinda and I are responsible for. And Selinda had checked through them after I'm done with them.

Carried on, I had made the reservation for the buffet on behalf of my manager. It's set! We will be going to the 1-for-1 buffet lunch at The Square@Furama! How great is that!

After lunch, Miss Pascale had assigned me today's task. I had to update a report by checking information from the Excel file and to copy the new information from the Excel file into the word document.

This task took me almost the whole afternoon and time is always flying when there is work to do. (^^)

The last thing that I've done today was to create a PowerPoint on the agenda for the year end celebration for my manager. The information to be included are the schedule for the day, the car seating arrangement and the information on how to get to The Square@Furama.

That's all for today. (^^)

Week 10 - 18 Dec 2012 - Tue

45th day at SSMC.

Today, my task was to pull data out from one Excel file. I was supposed to find out the average wafer count per week, minimum wafer count, maximum wafer count and the average scrap wafer count per week for 4 of the defect types. It sounded easy and simple, doesn't it?

However, things are not as easy and simple as it feels like. For the first 2 defect types. I only had to do some filtering at different categories then data is being pulled out. What's left was to do some calculations.

On the other hand, the third and fourth defect types require some checking to be done. I had to filter the data and then check its individual Excel file for the exact defect type or impacted location before it can be considered as accepted for this task.

Thus, the checking of the data took up most of the time. After which, similar to the first 2 defect types, calculations was left to do.

After the whole task was done, Miss Pascale assigned me to put the information, given by her, as well as the table of data that I have calculated into the PowerPoint slides. Miss Pascale had also asked me to do trend charts for each of the defect types just in case the presentation might require.

And after finishing the charts, my job for today is considered done. (^^)

Week 10 - 17 Dec 2012 - Mon

44th day at SSMC.

Today started off with helping Miss Pascale to copy information from the Excel files stored in the company laptop. This is because that she wasn't able to print or send out the files from the laptop. And this task took me the whole morning to complete.

After lunch, I continued to report what I had done for the improving of Excel file task with the PowerPoint that I've done. And also demonstrating what changes I had made in my version of Excel files.

While doing so, we found out that 1 of the changes done was not considered perfect and is having a loophole. Thus, I have to think about it again.

As I was going through the original files, I realised that the original macro of the loophole formula was having an execution time of 4 seconds. LOL. Why did I change it in the first place?! Anyway, we had decided to use back the original macro for that.


Lastly, to compare the changes, before and after my improvements, I had to time the whole process of running all the macros.

However, as we had done some testings earlier and one of the macros was running endlessly. I took awhile to figure out where has gone wrong. This is careless mistake cause my computer to 'hang' many times.

Finally, after I had resolve that careless mistake, I timed the whole process of my improved version of Excel files and it turned out to be 1.48 seconds. Miss Pascale said that this is considered fast. (^^)

However, we still have to time the original version which I could not do it with my window 7 version. And Miss Pascale was occupied with her work, so I guess we'll do it tomorrow.

Today had things to do and time was really flying. Hope to pass the coming days like today. (^^)

Week 9 - 14 Dec 2012 - Fri

43rd day at SSMC.

Today, the first task that I did was the updating of the daily defect task. And after which, free time again.

At around 11.30am, I had a 'meeting' with some colleagues regarding the planning and organizing of games to be played on the 31st December's department team building. We had lunch meeting at IKEA and was still discussing after eating.

After concluding what games to be played, another colleague, Selinda and I will be responsible for 3 of the games. We will need to explain the rules on that day, perform demonstrations and take care of the required things which actually are nothing much to do.

Finally, today is Friday! Last day of the week. And next Monday, Miss Pascale will be back. I will have things to do~~ (^^)

Week 9 - 13 Dec 2012 - Thu

42nd day at SSMC.

Today did not have much things to do. In the morning, I had helped to check and update the points to be measured in cases of fab shutdown. If the points are not updated, I will pick random but evenly spread out points from those that are already use for normal measuring.

After which, I had helped to update the daily defect task as Xu Fang was too busy at that moment.

After these 2 tasks, I can considered free for the day. For the rest of the day, I was just reading things, going through things that I had done in the past and helping others if they have things that I can help.

Thankfully, tomorrow is Friday, last day of the week and supervisor will be back on next Monday. Hope that tomorrow will be over in a flash. (^^)

Week 9 - 12 Dec 2012 - Wed

41st day at SSMC.

 Today, started off with a task, received yesterday but to be done today, to update the Excel file data on wafer chipping by using the lot ID to check the vendor type in the company's software system.

After checking the vendor type form the company's software system, I had keyed the vendor type into the Excel file.

After finishing the above mentioned task, I began to research for hotels' buffet promotions again. As m,my manager had came to me again, wanting me to search for more variety of buffet promotions. So, I spent the rest of today searching and calling the hotels and restaurants for their buffet details.

Finally, at around 3 plus pm, we had concluded which buffet to go for. And my job is done for now.

After which, I received another errand, that is to collect something, on behalf of my supervisor, Miss Pascale, who is away on business trip, at the warehouse.

Knowing nothing about what to be collected at the warehouse, I've got one big surprise when I reached the warehouse.

It was 2 large carton boxes! Although they are light in terms of weight, how am I gonna carry them back to the office?

Lucky me, there was this friendly uncle, who was collecting empty carton boxes and thought that I was gonna give him mine. He helped me with one of the bigger box and brought it back to the office building for me.

Thank god! What's left was for me to drag the boxes to the lift and all the way back to the office.

The very last task I received today was to update another Excel file data. This time, I have to check the individual lot ID on where the impacted area of the defect wafers was and indicate in the column after the lot ID column.

Another short task I would say. (^^)

So, that's about all for today.

Week 9 - 11 Dec 2012 - Tue

40th day at SSMC.

Today did not have much to do. Most of my free time were spent on thinking and thinking for possible solutions to replace the 3 macros. So nothing much was done today.

Just that, I had help to update one Excel file on the wafer chipping data for Xu Fang. I had checked the lot ID of the data and then indicated the ID of the affected wafers, total affected wafer quantity that is the number of wafers and the location of the wafer chipping.

After finishing the task, I sent the completed database to Xu Fang.

And until around late afternoon, my manager had came over and assigned me a new task. LOL. The task was to organize and plan some games for the 31st December's outing. My manager was too busy to take care of this so she had assigned it to me. Apparently, I got too free today. Hahaha. (^^)

Anyway, I had browsed through and read up the !nsight! in the company internet's corporate intranet for ideas. However, not much ideas was gotten from there. Guess I can only think more now. -.-

Week 9 - 10 Dec 2012 - Mon

39th day at SSMC.

Today is the beginning of the second half of the attachment period. With the ending of last Friday, half of the attachment period was gone too.

As I have concluded on last Friday, I have 3 macros completely replaced with formula, 2 macros combined into 1, 1 macro edited to suit my requirement. As for the last 3 macros, I wasn't able to replace them with formula and was using them as they were.

The 3 macros were macro 6, 7 & 9 and macro 6 & 9 were working fine in my version of Excel file. However, as for macro 7, I wasn't able to get it to work in my version of Excel file. Thus, since last week I had been editing macro 7's programming to make it work.

However, while running macro 7, my computer kept 'hanging'. The Excel program kept getting restarted. I was totally clueless why this is happening. I had double and double checked the program but still could not find out what is wrong with the program.

On the other hand, my manager had came over to ask me to search for the available lunch buffets on the 31st of December. And thus, I had ignored the Excel file, for the time being, and went to search and call the several hotels and restaurants for the availability of the promotions and the details of the buffets.

I had managed to compile the buffet details just before lunch and had sent the compiled information to my manager right after lunch. And so, I had gone back to figuring out the macro 7's programming.

But, out of my expectation, macro 7 was working perfectly fine. And all I had done was to leave it alone for about 3 hours? I don't have a single idea why this is happening. Anyway, what matters most is that macro 7 is finally working.

To my surprise, I've found out that the execution time of macro 7 was actually less than 1 second. Today, was totally a surprise.

I had received another errand task to do in the late afternoon which is to go to the warehouse to get a wafer lot and passed to the OQA personnel.

After which, I was considered free for the day. I had nothing to do and was only looking through at my past tasks. Hoping that I could get some ideas for macro 6, 7 & 9. Although I did some editing to these 3 macros, I still hope to find some way to replace them with formula if possible.

So, I guess starting tomorrow until the end of this week, I will have to think hard and real hard for the 3 macros. Hope that I will have ways to deal with them. (^^)

Week 8 - 07 Dec 2012 - Fri

38th day at SSMC.

Today, I have compiled everything that I have done for this week in a PowerPoint. In the PowerPoint, the details that I have included are:

-Mind map on how the Excel files' spreadsheet are linked that is where did the macro extract data from and where did it insert into.
-Detail breakdown of the macros' functions and the changes and improvements that I have done.

There is too much to share if I were to share everything in detail, thus I will briefly describe what I've done.

I have a total of 9 macros from 2 Excel files database.

For macro 6, 7 and 9, currently, I am not able to replace or edit them as I still couldn't find a way to insert data on a daily basis using formula. As formula will have cells to reference from, thus how can I update today's data without altering yesterday's data as the source of the data being extracted are the same. Can you really understand what I am talking about?

For macro 2, 3 and 8, I have fully replaced them with formula. There is a part after macro 2 where users have to manually key in the comments which is to differentiate the automotive and non-automotive parts. And as I have mentioned in yesterday's post, I had successfully created a formula to differentiate the data.

So, for these 3 macros, I have reduced the time wasted on the execution of macro by eliminating the macro, as well as reduced time wastage on manually entering of data. And results are obtained instantly after data is being pasted into the spreadsheets.

Next, for macro 4 and 5, I have combined their functions into 1 macro and also some formula are used. Macro 4 was to extract data from text file and insert into spreadsheet. As for macro 5, it was supposed to insert new columns of data after macro 4 have inserted the data, as well as to calculate values from the data.

However, I have managed to used formula to used formula to insert the new columns of data (like the ones mentioned in previous paragraphs) and also to calculate the values that are carried out by macro 5.

Moreover, I have edited macro 4's programming so that it will not alter my formula on the newly insert columns. I guess this part is also confusing for you.

Lastly, for macro 1, I just merely edited its programming, similar to macro 4, so that it will not alter the formula I've created to replace macro 2.

This is about all for today. (^^)

Week 8 - 06 Dec 2012 - Thu

37th day at SSMC.

Today, I was working on using formula to determine whether the data is automotive or non-automotive part. So I started off checking and reading that particular macro programming to see how to differentiate between automotive and non-automotive parts.

Firstly, I tried several formula that allow me to compare certain criteria and some formula that I had used before like 'COUNTIFS' and 'SUMIFS' but both formula cannot be used in this case as they don't display text even though they allow several criteria to be set.

Thus, I turned to other formula like 'IF' and also read and searched through the Excel Help function on several other formula like 'SEARCH' and 'REPLACE'. And also learnt of how to use these formula in combination.

My task was not just determining the automotive and non-automotive part, I have to display the text as well.

The criteria in determining the automotive parts are:

1. The part name contains 'LZ'.
2. There is a list of partID that does not contain 'LZ' but are still considered as automotive part. So I have to matched against the list.

And I have done 2 different formula to differentiate automotive parts from non-automotive ones for each of the criteria mentioned above.

1. =IFERROR((REPLACE(C3,1,SEARCH(Y1,C3)+2,"Auto")),"Non-Auto")
This formula searches for 'LZ' in each part name and replace that part name with 'Auto'. However, if the search failed, #Value will be displayed. Thus, IFERROR is required to display 'Non-Auto' for every #Value.

2. =IF(T2=Sheet3!A$3,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$4,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$5,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$6,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$7,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$8,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$9,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$10,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$11,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$12,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$13,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$14,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$15,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$16,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$17,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$18,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$19,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$20,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$21,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$22,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$23,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$24,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$25,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$26,"Auto","Non-Auto"))))))))))))))))))))))))

In this formula,
T2 : First 6 characters of part name
U2 : First 7 characters of part name
Sheet3!A3:A26 : List of automotive part names that does not contain 'LZ'

Therefore, I need to compare T2 and U2 against Sheet3!A3:A26. If there's a match to the list, 'Auto' will be displayed else, 'Non-Auto' will be displayed.

Eventually, I have combined the 2 formula using the 'IF' and 'OR' functions to be fully successful in determining automotive and non-automotive parts.

I was having trouble combining the 2 formula and kept having errors. I guess I've got confused due to too many brackets. But still, I had managed to work it out! (^^)

The finally formula is :
=IF(OR(IFERROR((REPLACE(C3,1,SEARCH(Y1,C3)+2,"Auto")),"Non-Auto")="Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$3,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$4,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$5,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$6,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$7,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$8,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$9,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$10,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$11,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$12,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$13,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$14,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$15,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$16,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$17,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$18,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$19,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$20,"Auto",IF(T2=Sheet3!A$21,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$22,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$23,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$24,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$25,"Auto",IF(U2=Sheet3!A$26,"Auto","Non-Auto"))))))))))))))))))))))))="Auto"),"Auto","Non-Auto")

After lunch. I continued to do similar task:

- The second formula was to match if the data is automotive part and if the customer name matches with the list of customer code.
- For the third formula, it was harder as I do not know what to compare to for the data to be categorize as sample lot. Even after reading the macro programming, I was still not sure. I couldn't find out what does '=IF(C[-17]>12,1,0). I couldn't understand and find out what is C[-17] even after comparing to other macro programming. I had only know that it should be referring to certain column. So, I tried to look for past excel file data. And I had finally found out that sample lot is actually determine by the quantity column. When the quantity is more than 12, it is considered as a sample lot, on the other hand, when quantity is less than 12, it is not considered as a sample lot.

Had a tiring day today. Time to sleep. (^^)

Week 8 - 05 Dec 2012 - Wed

36th day at SSMC.

Today, I was editing a macro programming that is used for updating the charts in the excel file. This particular macro was created to retrieve data from another 3 spreadsheets and the data retrieved includes the defect type, defect count and the ppm according to a given week.

The original macro takes 15 sec to complete its job. So I had tried to reduce the waiting time or even, if possible, replace with formula.

The original macro had the following steps:

1. Copy defect type
2. Match week no.
3. Copy defect count and ppm of the matched week no.
4. Sort defect type according to the largest count and ppm
5. Keep top 8 defect types and delete the rest

What I have in mind and hope to achieve is to reduce the waiting time, so the steps are shorter.

1. Match week no.
2. Sort defect type according to the largest count and ppm of the matched week no.
3. Copy only top 8 defect types and their count and ppm.

However, things doesn't goes smoothly like we always thought they would be. It is not easy to write the macro programming language even though I am just editing from one. I kept having errors when compiling and I did not know how to resolve them.

As a result, like always, whenever I'm stuck at one thing and couldn't solve it after trying for quite awhile, I will move on to another issue.

And I really want to thank my friend, Ting Min, this time. During lunch time, she told me to relax when I was feeling vexed and said that I will always solve something in the end of the day.

Haha. I don't know why but I really managed to solve another problem that I had left off last week. I was so happy. (^^)

I was having problem last week on the macro that extracts data from a text file (.TXT) and insert into excel. It also automatically insert new column of data. Today, I had managed to improve the macro programming on the way it extract and insert data into excel and also replace the part where it insert new columns of data with formula. So, the overall execution time of the macro is shortened

The whole of today had past slowly but at least I had achieved something before the end of today. It's some kind of encouragement? (^^)

Week 8 - 04 Dec 2012 - Tue

35th day at SSMC.

Today, I have improved yesterday's 'TRANSPOSE' formula. Instead of just transposing the data, I have included the defect types as well. This is done in case any defect type is being deleted or added.

I have also linked the spreadsheets' cells together so when data is being entered into 1 spreadsheet, another spreadsheet will be updated instantly. This is kind of real time basis and it also eliminate the use of macro which is quite time consuming.

Another job done today was to replace a macro, responsible for inserting new columns of data, using formula. I found out that the 3 new columns of data can be done with formula as I realized that they are linked to the part name.

The last task for today was to find a way to paste transposed value using formula. I have to paste the transposed data as value and not the whole formula itself. However, no solution was found. >.<

And so, I'm back to discovering how the macro programming language works. -.-

Week 8 - 03 Dec 2012 - Mon

34th day at SSMC.

Today, I had done a more detailed mind map and a breakdown of the macros' functions as a start off for today. I have also stated down which macro or part of a macro I had replaced with formula.

However, here's 1 constraint that I have found out after starting this task regarding formula. When using formula, there will be a reference cell or range. So, my concern is how to keep the calculated value if the reference cell's or cells' data will be changed.

Anyway, today I was trying to solve one of the macro's function. This macro is used to copy and paste data from one excel spreadsheet into another spreadsheet. Not just that the data quantity is quite a lot, the data is also updated weekly. I guess that's why they have chosen to used macro for this action.

I was trying to replace this macro's function with the 'IF' and 'SUMIFS' formula as there were many criteria, for example, data from spreadsheet 1 was

and to be paste into spreadsheet 2 in this format

So, the formula cannot be pull down or left, right and I have to edit the formula for every cell. This is too time consuming and too many steps and conclusion, troublesome. 

Towards the end of today, I found out the 'TRANSPOSE' function and discovered how to apply it into the excel spreadsheet. It made the whole job to be done easily and I only have to set the formula 2 times for each spreadsheet. 

I can't describe how happy and excited I was when I found out the 'TRANSPOSE' formula works for the data. (^^)

That's about all for today. 

Week 7 - 30 Nov 2012 - Fri

Last day of the week, last day of the month. 33rd day at SSMC.

Today, I continued with the excel file. I did the tracing of macro programming language again but for the weekly update macro. And what I did yesterday was on the daily update macro. The weekly macro was harder to figure out and understand

As I was having a hard time with the macro programming language, I had decided to ignored it for the time being and turned to the actions that it carried out. For example, some macros were used to sum and count the data values and for these macros, I had been trying to replace them with formula.

And I succeeded! I had managed to replace part of the macro, on summing and counting data functions, using formula. This is also how I realized some macros are not so easily to be replaced. So for these (hard to replace) macros, I have only managed to replace the summing and counting functions using formula.

But I did successfully replace some macro with formula. These are some macros that are used to 'pluck' data from one excel sheet and insert into another.

So to conclude what I've done today, was:

-Replacing some macros to formula
-Replace part of macro to formula

And one question that I'm having after today's work, will the macro speed be faster after the actions that it suppose to carry out were lessen? This is what I really want to find out. And then, I will know whether what I have done will be wasted or not. (^^)

Week 7 - 29 Nov 2012 - Thu

32nd day at SSMC.

Today, I received Miss Pascale message on what I can continue for the excel file. She said that I can make some improvement to update the data faster. So I spent my whole day in exploring and trying out.

And to know what improvement can be made to the excel file, I have to understand and know how the data are input into the excel file. So what I have done for the whole of today was to trace the macro programming language to find out how the data are input. The macro programming language was somewhat similar to what I have studied before, Structured Programming. Thus, I was able to somehow figure it out.

I have also done a mind map on how the 2 excel files are link by the macro functions and how the data are taken from excel file A and input into excel file B.

Today, other than the excel files, I have also edited the training guides. As I have discussed it with a colleague, Xu Fang, she had given her comments and objective suggestions as a person who will be using it. So, I had taken her advice and made some changes to the training guides.

After I'm done with the training guides, I had no choice but to switch back to exploring excel files.

And so, one working day left to weekends. Ganbatte!

Week 7 - 28 Nov 2012 - Wed

31st day at SSMC.

Today, I started my day in trying to replace some formula in the excel file I've mentioned yesterday. I tried some formula that I have used before at first and then carried on to search for other formula that I have never tried before.

However, not much progress was done. I wasn't able to achieve the desired result.

This morning, I have also discussed with our department manager on the training guides that I have done earlier in this week. She wanted me to do the training guides using the SSMC template. So, since I wasn't having much progression in the excel file's formula, I switched to doing the training guides.

After finishing the training guides, I have, no choice but to switch back to the excel file again. This time, I looked back to the tasks I have done previously and finally, after long searching, I realized where I've gone wrong.

I was right to used the correct formula earlier, it's just that I have used it wrongly. I have set the wrong criteria for the right formula.

In the end, I had managed to replace some of the formula. I have also try inserting rolls and columns and the formula were not affected, so I guessed this is considered job done?

Anyway, I reported to Miss Pascale regarding what I've done for the excel file. Now, waiting for further instructions.

Two more days to go. :)

Week 7 - 27 Nov 2012 - Tue

30th day at SSMC.

Today, I was given a task; to improve an existing excel file. Instead of the existing macro functions, Miss Pascale hopes that I will be able to substitute the macro functions with formula. I was totally clueless in the morning and even after lunch, I was still brainstorming for ideas.

Meanwhile, during my 'brainstorming' session, Miss Pascale had asked me to update 2 reports for her as she needed them urgently. All I have to do is to screenshot some charts that I've created, with data values entered, and update some excel table from 2012 to 2013. After which, paste into the report for updating.

I have also done some miscellaneous tasks and work today. Though I had spent some time on them but I will not list in detail.

Wanted to start my report tonight, but now is kinda late. Guess will postpone to tomorrow then. Wonder if I can really start my report tomorrow. @.@

Week 7 - 26 Nov 2012 - Mon

29th day at SSMC.

Today, I have done a presentation, not literally one, on the naming conventions of the chart IDs and DCOPs. I should say that I've designed the naming conventions. I've spent almost the whole day doing it as I need to present them in the way that people will understand at one glance.

I've also took the design and layout of the information and content into consideration.

Due to many constraints, I have different versions of the naming convention for the DCOPs. For example, the naming of Ball Room DCOPs are different from the naming of the Test Lab DCOPs. Thus, I have to present them in different ways but the overall has to be similar. This is thr hardest part of all.

It's like the overview for the naming convention of DCOPs has to be one standard way then for each individual location, in their individual slide, they are different.

After I'm done with the naming convention, I've done a training guide on the steps to enter data into the database. Miss Pascale said that I will need to teach the MAs in the fab so I will need a guide for them.

So that's about all for today. Bye bye.

Week 6 - 23 Nov 2012 - Fri

28th day at SSMC.

Today, I have finally finished creating the remaining 475 DCOPs. Why 475 and not 477 DCOPs as mentioned in yesterday's post? This is because Miss Pascale has asked me to keep 2 DCOPs for her to practice. :)

Anyway, like I've mentioned yesterday that I have an outdoor task today in the afternoon, the 475 DCOPs was done by 1.40pm as I was supposed to leave by this time. I'm not trying to proud or something but me myself was surprised too.

I feel that I've gotten faster in creating DCOPs, charts and whatever after these few days' training.

Now, the outdoor task I've been mentioning, it's actually a drop test of the wafer containers.  However, the boxes failed as the wafers got cracked after the second last test had carried out. The photo below shows the cracked wafers:

That's all for today. Hope the things I shared are interesting.

See you next week. (^^)

Week 6 - 22 Nov 2012 - Thu

27th day at SSMC.

Today, I had continue to create the DCOPs and finally, left only 1 chart of DCOPs which is the chart that consists of 546 points. But because I had created some of the DCOPs for that chart previously, so that total number of DCOP I had left today is 477.

Last week, I used 2 days to create 500 plus DCOPs. I hope that by the end of this week, I can finish creating the 1625 DCOPs, 33 charts and 6 OCAP IDs. This means that tomorrow only left the 477 DCOPs.

But, not sure if I can. Tomorrow I have an outdoor task and will need to travel around. Hope to finish the 477 DCOPs in the morning,

All the best to myself for creating the DCOPs and All the best to my friends taking their NAPFA test tomorrow.

Week 6 - 21 Nov 2012 - Wed

26th day at SSMC.

Today, I have finished creating DCOPs for 11 charts. I'm not sure how many DCOPs I have left, only know that I have 22 charts of DCOPs left.

Another stressful eyes day had past and I get lesser and lesser thing to share. My blog posts are getting shorter and shorter.

Today is Wednesday, half of the week had past. Weekends please come soon. (^^)

Week 6 - 20 Nov 2012 - Tue

25th day at SSMC.

Today, I finished creating all the charts and I have also created 1 DCOP for each location. This will, somehow, make my life easier when come to create the 1625 DCOPs.

As I can just simply copy the DCOPs like I've mentioned before, and copying the DCOPs will reduce quite a number of steps.

Although, the creation steps for the DCOPs will be reduced, I still have to stare at the computer for the whole day. It is still very stressful for my eyes.... >.<

How I wish that I can finish creating the DCOPs tomorrow, no more staring at the computer screen... ;P

Anyway, I believe I will have lesser things to share as I will doing the same things until I finish create the DCOPs. My posts should be getting shorter... >.<

Hope to finish the DCOPs soon and get to do new things and to be able to share more things on my blog. (^^)

Week 6 - 19 Nov 2012 - Mon

24th day at SSMC.

Today, I have finally, officially started creating my charts in the actual production system. I started creating the OCAP IDs, follewed by the charts and finally the DCOPs. However, I only created some of the charts and the related DCOPs and I had quite a lot left. This is pretty obvious, isn't it? How can I finish creating 33 charts and 1625 DCOPs in just one day?

Back to today's story... Before creatingthe OCAP IDs, I kept reminding myself to be extra extra careful when entering the settings required. However, sometimes, things just won't go smoothly like how you want it to be.

For me, a careless mistake made few weeks ago resulted in my first wrong setting for 2 of my OCAP IDs. Previously, I had print-screen the steps in creating the charts, DCOPs and OCAP IDs. As I was referring to the slides that I've done, I pretty much copied what I have recorded few weeks ago. I copied the title of the OCAP ID from what I had set few weeks ago which was not what I should be entering (after discussion with Miss Pascale some time later). Hence, here goes my first mistake.

As I have 'freeze' the OCAP ID, I couldn't do anything about it. It's either I can get the assistance from the IT department to 'unfreeze' the OCAP ID or I can just simply created that of a version two. So I chose the second option.

After this experience, I thought, to myself, that I will not make any mistake. True enough, I have smoothly created my charts for the particle section.

However, another careless mistake was done, again, when I'm creating the DCOP for the particle charts.
I have forgotten to enter the OCAP ID for 1 of the DCOP and only realizing that after having 'freezing' my DCOP.

At first, I thought that all of the DCOPs that I've created do not consist of the OCAP ID. But after checking, I realized it was only the one that I've forgotten to enter. As I explained the situation to Miss Pascale, again, we chose to created that DCOP in version two.

Miss Pascale also asked me to take a break and have a drink. Was it because that I have been staring at the computer screen the whole day (except lunch break) and due to that I got tired and hence make those careless mistakes?

Anyway, (hopefully) to prevent myself from making more mistakes , guess I should take the advice of getting out of my seat every 1 to 2 hours to rest my eyes and stretch my back. At the very least, close my eyes (for awhile, of course) when I feel tired.

That should be all for today. Bye bye (^^)

Week 5 - 16 Nov 2012 - Fri

23rd day at SSMC.

Today is Friday. (^^)

As yesterday did not managed to finish create the 546 DCOPs to be connect into 1 chart, so today was continuing this task.

Yesterday, I've created 305 DCOPs and today, 243 DCOPs was created and I have no idea why i had 2 extra DCOPs. But in any case, I can conclude that I am able to connect more than 546 DCOPs to 1 single chart and this is definitely a good news!

Things got lesser to say today as compared to yesterday.

But still have to end my speech.

See you next week. (^^)

Week 5 - 15 Nov 2012 - Thu

22nd day at SSMC.

Today, I have started creating the DCOPs. However, instead of creating them in the actual production system, I have created them in the training environment. This is because we were not sure how many DCOPs we are able to connect to 1 chart.

I had tried looking for the information from the guides but nothing was found. I had also consulted the IT personnel but they only know the maximum number of charts can be link to 1 DCOP but not the other way round. They mentioned that no one has done the other way round, so I have to try it out myself.

So, here I am, creating 305 DCOPs in the training environment (to ensure whatever I've done will not affect the production system). I had chosen the points under ball room for particle count as the ball room has the most points for measurement to be taken for particle count. (FYI, the ball room has a total of 546 points to be put into 1 chart)

After a long day (which is today -.-), I had only managed to created 305 DCOPs and these 305 DCOPs were successfully connected to 1 single chart. Entry of data was also successfully for these 305 DCOPs.

Today has less to share but the work was definitely consuming. It took me the whole of today yet I only managed to create 305 DCOPs. How ironic... -_-

Week 5 - 14 Nov 2012 - Wed

21st day at SSMC.

Today, I have finished up listing out all the DCOPs that we will be creating. Out of curiosity, I calculated the total number of DCOPs that we gonna create. (Since this time round, we are creating for every single point.) And so,the total number of DCOPs we will be creating is 1625. Can you believe it? (^^)

Anyway, the listing of DCOPs took me almost half a day. I was still doing it after lunch... -.-

After done listing out the DCOPs, I continued to think of the naming convention for the chart IDs. Miss Pascale said that the naming convention for the chart IDs must be standardize. So it took me awhile to standardize the IDs.

And, similarly, listing the chart IDs out was part of my today's tasks. After listing out, I calculated the number of charts to be 33. This turned out lesser than what we have calculated before. Guess, I'm kinda familiar with  how the charts works and the settings. I used to have 4 charts for 1 category but now I can lessen to 2 charts for that particular category.

Once again, after I'm done with the chart IDs, I proceeded to the OCAP IDs and titles. I have listed out the several OCAP IDs and titles to be created to ensure that I have everything ready before I start to create anything. This is to reduce errors and to be able to make amendments while we still can.

I have everything ready for checking, the DCOPs, chart IDs and OCAP IDs. As long as everything passes the check, I am officially starting to create them. How wonderful! :)

Week 5 - 12 Nov 2012 - Mon

20th day at SSMC.

Today, I had spent my morning practicing the steps in creating charts, DCOPs and OCAP IDs. As I'm afraid that I'll make mistakes in the actual production system, thus I rather practice more now. I have also kept track of what are the necessary settings like the setting of control violation rules and variables etc.

I have also tried creating a new chart and DCOPs for one of the ionization points. As the variables and the parameters and different from, what I have been doing recently, particle count, thus I tried out today to get an idea of it.

As I have mentioned in the previous posts that the DCOP names that I had came out, were not appropriate anymore. So I had to rename the DCOPs but with just a little changes. I have set the 7 characters of the DCOP in this arrangement:

First character tells the type of measurement. For example, P is for particle count and A is for Air Velocity etc.
Second and third characters tell the location of the points. For example, TL for Test Lab. For the location, I'm using the previous naming idea. :)
And for the last 4 characters, I have decided to keep them for the naming of points. This is because there are points with 4 characters. For example, AE65 etc.

The naming convention, I have completed, but I'm not done listing out all the DCOPs for the points. (There is just too much...) Anyway, since tomorrow is holiday, will only get to continue on Wednesday. Meanwhile, time to rest!!! On tomorrow... (^^)

I am also taught, by Miss Pascale, on how to update some data on a daily basis. I am supposed to help out in updating the information when Miss Pascale's on leave or that they are not available or around. It's sounded like a simple 3 steps task but I wouldn't want to screw things up there. I have taken down what to do and the steps in doing it. Definitely wouldn't wish to create trouble... @.@

Week 4 - 09 Nov 2012 - Fri

Last day of Week 4, 19th day at SSMC.

Time really flies. Today is the last day of week 4 and this means that 1/4 of the ITP period has past. I've also used up half of my notebook and this is so much faster than I had used a notebook during school time. Lol.

Anyway, I have good news and bad news today. Let's just start from the beginning...

For the whole of this morning, I continued to search and try all possible ways to set the graph to display all the data values for the points that I've entered. However, I still did not managed to find a solution for yesterday's problem. I was still stuck at the setting, 'Spec for Variable 1'. I read through the PROMIS guide and tried the method stated in it but it just won't work.

So I've consulted Selinda, collegue who has experiences in using PROMIS and SPC Chartor. She replied that normally they will show one point in one chart and (I guess) that's how the system works.

And so, I reported the situation to Miss Pascale. And after discussion, I began to try linking the second DCOP to the chart (with the first DCOP linked). This turned out successful. I've managed to get the chart to display the data values calculated by the 2 DCOPs after entering data for the 2 DCOPs.

After showing Miss Pascale my successfully done chart, we went to discuss, with our manger, what we have till now.

Let's fast forward to after discussion with manager and the conclusion is, with too much constraints and different requirements, we will have to create 1 DCOP containing 1 point. And I meant 1 exact point. This is the so called 'bad news'. I have no idea how many DCOPs I will be creating but definitely more than 500. Why am I so positive about that? Remember I had mentioned before, or if not, that for particle count of ball room, the points are already 546. This is why I'm so positive that I'm gonna be creating more than 500 DCOPs. XD

On the other hand, the good news is that I am officially starting my project. I will be working the charts in the actual environment in the system. Hope that I'll not screw things up. (^^) And I really hope to finish this project before ITP ends. This is the least I can do.

Week 4 - 08 Nov 2012 - Thu

18th day at SSMC.

Today, I have finally successfully programmed the chart to show the correct calculated values. I was so happy!

This morning, I've created a new chart, as mentioned in yesterday's post, to replace the one that I've entered the wrong set ups. And upon doing so, I've recorded every single step using screenshots and saved them into a PowerPoint. I have also make notes and comments at each step foe explanation purpose.

However, after I have set up the new settings in my newly created chart, I still could not get the graph to display the calculated values. The chart kept showing 1 of the 4 entered data value. No matter, how many data value I enter into the system, the chart only show the data values entered for that 1 point.

Thus, this means that I'm partially failed...

And so, I went to consult the IT personnel, Sock Bee, again. (I've been troubling her these few days... Guilty ...) She mentioned to me that I've done the 'variable' setting wrongly. I thought that I would have to start all over again as I have freeze my chart. But Sock Bee said that I can unfreeze my chart in the training environment as I am the owner of my chart. And this is a good news to me. Sock Bee also showed me a PROMIS guide that would help me in doing my try outs. The guide was mainly for data entry and DCOPs and it really solved some of my queries.

So, I continued to try setting the correct set up for my chart. And finally, after many edits here and there, I got the graph to display my calculated 'Range' and 'Average' values!

I could not believe it at first, so I entered a few more data values and it showed all the correct values that is the calculated 'Range' and 'Average' values.

I was so delight and presented my work to Miss Pascale. (^^)

And after some discussion, we seem to find that the groupings were not appropriate anymore, Therefore, we are back to displaying individual point's values. So for the last half an hour, I was making changes to the chart and DCOP settings.

The missing part is always the 'Specification for Variable 1' setting. I'm not sure of what to put for that part to make the graph display all data values entered for all the points.

Guess, i'll try all possible settings to make it work and will find someway to resolve it. Ganbatte!~ (^^)

Week 4 - 07 Nov 2012 - Wed

17th day at SSMC.

Today, I have spent the whole morning exploring the commands and functions in the software, 'Tera Term'. I have also taken down, step by step, the process of creating the charts, DCOP, and OCAP ID. This will allow me to have reference in the future.

And 1 hour before lunch, I've consulted the IT personnel, Sock Bee, and the IT manager for further progression of my project. Sock Bee had suggested me doing do all my testing charts, DCOPs, OCAP ID in the 'Tera Term's' training environment and this training environment will not affect the actual production system.

As for the IT manger, I have consulted him on what I am supposed to find out about the FTP and what else do I need to know besides running a script and superscript to transfer data. I have seriously learnt quite a handful of stuff this morning.

After lunch, I began to create chart, DCOPs and OCAP ID. I wasn't able to use what I have created in the actual production system in the training environment. Thus, I got to start all over again, start from the basic that is to create a new chart. In a way, I get to refresh my memory on creating charts.

I managed to create the chart, DCOP and OCAP ID; set the neccessary settings and get the charts to work. Although I was successful in entering the data values to the chart, somehow, I couldn't get the chart to display the data that I wanted.

After troubleshooting (for not sure how long but should be not too long :P), I believe that the 'variable' should be the part where I have set up wrongly. However, I can't edit the part of the chart as I have already 'freeze' the chart. Hence, I have to re-create a new chart.

Time flies. After I found out that I have to create a new chart, it was also about time to end. So, the creation of a new chart was postponed to tomorrow.

Hope that things will go smoothly tomorrow, without me making mistakes in the process. I will be extra careful in the steps of the process. One wrong step and I will need to start all over again.

Week 4 - 06 Nov 2012 - Tue

16th day at SSMC.

Today, I have rearranged the number ranges of some of the DCOPs. As the number ranges were not even and is difficult for people to remember. What I meant by the number ranges are not even is that they are in terms of, for example, 20, 25, 45, 60 etc. And what I have done is to rearrange, according to the points,  them into more evenly distributed ranges. For example, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 etc. These more evenly distributed number ranges will be much easier for people to remember.

After which, I had combine all DCOPs into 1 single Excel sheet for ease of viewing. With the overall naming convention, done yesterday, inserted at the first sheet, I am now considered job done. (^^)

But this 'job done' is only for the task 'creating DCOPs'. After lunch, Miss Pascale brought me to discuss, with the manager of the IT department, about our project. During discussion, the IT manager pointed out some points of what we are required to do but we were kind of lost. He said that I will need to use the FTP (Files Transfer Protocol) command and to input values, manually, to the charts using the software, 'Tera Term'.

Up to here, I can be considered as pretty lost. I have a general idea of what the IT manager had told us but I am clueless of how to do or even start it.

The IT manager suggested us to 'google' FTP and get some hands-on on inputting the values. Though I am eager to start doing it, but I have no idea how. Thus, Miss Pascale had printed some information, that we have found through internet, regarding FTP. Hoping that I could get something out of those information, I read through the handouts.

However, I did not. I presumed the information we've gotten does not relate to what we needed. I guess I will need to do more research...

Week 4 - 05 Nov 2012 - Mon

Start of a new week, 15th day at SSMC.

Today, I've finished up the naming of DCOPs for ionization, ESD, field voltage and SMIF. The concept of the naming convention is similar to particle and air velocity previously.

The first and second characters are for the different locations. Third and fourth characters are of a little different. For ionzation, the third and fourth characters can be either 'DT' for Decay Time or 'OV' for Offset Voltage. For ESD, it will be the different types of ESD such as 'HB' for Human Body and 'PG' for Power Grounding. The last 3 characters are the number range, ID or the points, same as what I have for particle and air velocity.

After which, I consolidated all DCOPs and came up with a overall naming convention. I have stated all locations (with their 'short forms') and other acronyms that I have used with explanation and description. This will allow other people to understand how I had come up with those DCOPs.

We also have a discussion with a IT personnel and she pointed out that `1 DCOP can only have a maximum of 9 to 10 points. This means that I have to regroup my DCOPs as some of my DCOPs have more than 10 points. Although I had managed to regroup the points by the end of today, the number range now is not even and is more difficult to remember. Thus, Miss Pascale wants me to think of a better solution.

The total number of DCOPs I have came up is 360. And after regrouping, it increases to 391 DCOPs. It alot, ain't it? But we are still looking into it. We are, somehow, stuck as we are not sure if we are able to link the measuring devices to the system. If this can't work, it will be no point for us to create so many DCOPs.

Anyway, I hope that we will receive good news from the IT personnel.

Week 3 - 02 Nov 2012 - Fri

14th day at SSMC.

Today, I can say to have solve some parts of the 'problem'. (^^) Before sharing what I have solve, I shall explain the situation first.

Part of my creating charts process is to create the DCOPs. And to get these DCOPs, I need to decide on how I want the points (for measurement) to be divided. But, there's a limitation for the DCOPs, that is, each DCOP can only have a maximum of 7 alphanumeric characters.

Thus, 1 of my idea is that, for the 1st and 2nd characters, it will be initials of the different areas. For example, BR for Ball Room and TL is for Test Lab.

The 3rd and 4th characters determine either the months of the readings or measurement being taken or the type of measurement such as AV for Air Velocity.

The last 3 characters will be either the Number or the 'coordinates' of the points or the ID of the measurement points. But this Number determine the range of the points. For example, 20 means for points up to 20. Thus, 1 DCOP can be for a number of points.

And we are able to link few DCOPs to 1chart, that's why we have decided to create more DCOPs.

Today, I have settled the DCOPs for particle count and air velocity. I had only left ionization, ESD and field voltage. And once everything's done, we will be able to start creating the charts... I am 1 step nearer to my goal. (^^)

Last day of the week. Time to rest. Weekends, hope you will pass slowly...

Week 3 - 01 Nov 2012 - Thu

13th day at SSMC.

Today, I finished up yesterday's work (which is identifying the different wafer defect types) and carried on to categorize the data into different wafer types by the working weeks.

The categorization was done using Excel's formula and the formula used today were similar to previous work. I had used the 'COUNTOFS' and 'SUMIFS' fomula, however, I spent quite a while on setting the criteria. I had also set up 2 Excel's charts based on the data I had categorized. Overall, I still managed to finish this task before lunch.

After lunch, I continued my second task (assigned on Tuesday) that is regrouping of the points for the measurement.

To have a clearer idea of where the points exactly are located in the different areas, I identified all the points on the map of each areas. Nonetheless, this task is another time consuming work. But halfway through, we have came up with 1 idea. Just that, Miss Pascale mentioned before that we should always have a back up plan so I trying to think of another idea (just for in case). But, ideas don't just come easily. >.<

I left the largest area, with the most number of points, not done identifying the points yet. Guess tomorrow will continue thinking and hope to come up with better and more ideas.

By the way, today is first day of November and tomorrow is Friday. This week is ending soon.

Week 3 - 31 Oct 2012 - Wed

12th day at SSMC.

Today was tiring, have been staring at the computer for the whole day. I was supposed to do some calculations of data using Microsoft Excel's formula but before doing the calculations, I need to identify and categorize the data by the different wafer defect types.

However, not all data are categorized clearly in detail. Some of the data have their defect type stated in the description part but not all. Thus, those that have their defect type stated in the description column, I had an easier time in categorizing them.

On the other hand, most of the data were not clearly described and to confirm and check them, I had to, one by one, look for the individual files (using the Lot ID), open up the files and check  the disposition. If the disposition doesn't state, then I need to check the pictures of the wafer.

Still, it's my 1st time identifying wafer defect types, it took me the whole day. And I still couldn't managed to finish it. Hope to finish it tomorrow.

Week 3 - 30 Oct 2012 - Tue

11th day at SSMC.

Today finally got the software Tera Term, for creating the charts, installed onto my computer. I'm not quite sure if this 'Tera Term' is the one same as what I had encountered during Sensors Technology and Application practical lesson but things I've done using this 'Tera Term' is different from the one I had for my practical lesson. So, I guess, they should be different.

Anyway, I don't have much to post for today and I can only say that I have been trying to create trial chart for practice today. As there are certain requirements to be set up and create by other people before I can do the actual charts.

Besides, the grouping of points of the different areas for each measurement have to be reconsidered. We just realized that there are still things to be taken into considerations before we start to create the charts.

So, I guess I'm back to preparation stage.

I really do not have much to say so I think I will end here. Hope that tomorrow will have more things to share (but I pretty much doubt so).

Week 3 - 29 Oct 2012 - Mon

Start of the week again, 10th day at SSMC.

I have basically finish all the preparation for creating the charts. What's left is to wait for the IT technicians to installed the software into my computer and then I get to start creating charts. But of course, I have to learn to use the software as well.

Since most of the preparations are done, today, as a start, I did the 'Free Time Task' that was given to me last Thursday. (It's called free time task as Miss Pascale said to do it during my free time; when I had nothing to do.)

This 'Free Time Task' is to calculate, using the Microsoft Excel's formula, certain data for Miss Pascale. I am supposed to calculate the followings using Excel's formula to pick and calculate columns and rows of data:

I have explored Excel's formula and Help to decide which formula to use and finally had solved the task with 3 formula, 'DSUM', 'DCOUNT' and 'COUNTIFS'.

The 'COUNTIFS' formula, as I have mentioned in my previous post, I am familiar with it. Just have to select the right criteria ranges and the associated ranges and the result will be out.

Today, I have learnt 2 new formula, 'DSUM' and 'DCOUNT'. Both formula require database (list of related data), field (the column label used) and the criteria.

These are examples of the formula I had done today:

=DSUM('Output Qty'!$1:!1048576,"qty",N$1:O$2)

=DCOUNT('Output Qty'!1:1048576,"qty',Tabulations!M1:O2)

=COUNTIFS('Output Qty'!$B:$B,Tabulations!E$2,'Output Qty'!$S:$S,Tabulations!F$3,'Output Qty'!$X:$X,1)

Another point that I have learnt today. For criteria that do not want to include certain points, use something like "<>apple", then data that are apple will not be included in the calculations.

Like as I've mentioned in the starting of this post, I need to learn the software before I can create the charts and today, I had attended a training lesson on the basic steps of creating the charts.

I am looking forward to create the charts, of course, after the software is being installed in my computer first...

Week 2 - 25 Oct 2012 - Thu

Ninth day at SSMC, last day of the week.

These few days I have been finding the Max and Min values for the particle count, air velocity for different areas. As for today, I've done the similar task for Ionization. Difference is, in ionization, there are 2 parameters and each parameter has both positive (+) and negative (-) measurements. The 2 parameters are Decay Time and Offset Voltage.

However, beside Max and Min, today had to find the Average and Range values too. Thus, the data to be calculated is quite a lot. The picture below shows how I had organised the values but I am not suppose to reveal any company data. So the picture only shows the format without any data values.

After which, I have also calculated Max and Min values for the particle counts for the other areas to cut down the total number of charts to be created.

And finally, after so many days of calculating the Max and Min values for all the possible areas, the total number to charts we will be creating is 48 charts. From previously 191 charts, we had managed to cut down to 48 charts, I feel very satisfied. (^^)

Today, I had explored Microsoft Excel's Macro functions. I have created, using the Macros, buttons (after being clicked) that will link me to another worksheet. Although, they (the Macros that I have created) are not very useful, I still feel very satisfied.

Today is only Thursday but is the last working day of the week. I have realized the importance of public holiday now. Lol... (^^)

Week 2 - 24 Oct 2012 - Wed

Eighth day at SSMC.

Today, Miss Pascale showed me some database of SSMC's in the excel files and I was supposed to improve on the existing files using pivot tables and macros. However, we find that the two functions were not very useful and we were able to use certain formula to replace them for the same purposes.

However, using which formula is the problem I met today. I've tried using 'COUNTIF', 'SUMIF', 'IF', 'AND', 'HLOOKUP', and 'MATCH'. In the end, I solve the "mystery" using the 'COUNTIFS' formula.

Some FAILED formula examples:

=IF(Defect!$D:$D=AOQ!$A9,IF(Defect!$N:$N=AOQ!$B$3,IF(Defect!$O:$O=AOQ!$C$4,COUNTIF(Defect!$D:$D,$A(),0),0),0)

=AND(IF(Defect!D:D=AOQ!A17,1,0),IF(Defect!N:N=AOQ!B3,1,0))

=COUNTIF(Defect!D:D,(AND(IF(Defect!D3:D34=AOQ!A17,Defect!N:N=AOQ!D3,Defect!O:O=AOQ!B4),1,0)))

The Finally successful formula I had used to solve my problem today:

=COUNTIFS($A:$A,$E18,$B:$B,F$12,$C:$C,F$13)

Today, I have also found out the Max and Min values for some points and we were able to combine the areas into one chart. Thus, the total number of charts required has lowered to 111 charts.

Time flies?? Tomorrow is last day of work for this week... Hope that everything goes smoothly... (^^)

Week 2 - 23 Oct 2012 - Tue

Seventh day at SSMC.

Today, on and off was using the computer to do work. And why did I say 'on and off'? Lol. It's because the computer was not working for some time. Thus, today had wasted some time doing nothing. >.< ( But, I did try to keep the slacking time to minimum by reading the handouts given. ;P)

I thought that I was going to do what I had mentioned in yesterday's post,that is, listing out the exact points for the ESD tests. However, just this morning, I realized that the points for the ESD tests were always randomly chosen. Hence, I (somehow) cut down my workload... XP

Yesterday, after listing out the points for the support areas, I found out that there were very little points in each area. After discussion with Miss Pascale, she had decided that if the maximum (Max) and the minimum (Min) value of the areas' data are within the similar range, then we are able to combine those areas into 1 chart. And this will cut down the number of charts to be created.

And so, I had, for the whole morning, been checking the Max and Min value for each area (using excel). It wasn't very hard, however, there were too many data. So in a way, it took me awhile to finish.

Meanwhile, after lunch, my computer broke down... Here comes my reading time. And in fact, I've been using electrostatic discharge (ESD) the term quite often but I had never known its exact meaning. So, reading is really good... Below are what I've learned today:

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the transfer or movement of charge between objects that are of different electrical potentials. It is caused by static electricity.

Static electricity is a stationary (non-moving) electrical charge and it is caused by imbalance of elctrons on the surface of materials.

Imbalance of electrons occurs when materials either lose or acquire electrons.

Some time in the afternoon, when my computer is back on track, I continued to do the same task for the ESD tests. Finding the Max and Min value for each area of each test. The ESD data were more then that of the support areas. I had a tedious afternoon to evening. Fortunate thing is, I manged to finish the ESD portion just before work ends.

I did not expect today to have so much things to say. Hope tomorrow will be better. This week is one short week. 2 more working days and break!! Friday, I'm so looking forward to you!!! (^^)

Week 2 - 22 Oct 2012 - Mon

First day of a new week, sixth day at SSMC.

Today, I did not do much things but the task that was given to me was enough for me to do for the whole day. Was it because that I'm too slow?

The task that I was assigned today was to check and confirm all the points of places for taking measurements for particle, air velocity and ionization.

Under the 3 main categories (particle, air velocity and ionization), there are places with many points for measurement to be taken. It could be in the same place but the exact points are different. And I have to check if the points are still in use as some points are either 'down' or 'shut off'. Some points are Thus, it took me the whole day to finish listing every point out.

Currently, I have estimated the total number of charts to be created is 191 charts. This includes particle, air velocity, ionization and 2 other measurements which are field voltage and electrostatic discharge (ESD) monitoring.

Tomorrow, I will be doing what I've done for today (listing out points for the measurements) for the ESD monitoring. And then I will have to think about how I will be setting up my Real Time Charts. I have the whole of this week to think about it and to try out the charts using another software as we will only have training on the SPC program on next Monday.

Today is such short and sweet. But is it a good thing? @.@

Week 1 - 19 Oct 2012 - Fri

Fifth day at SSMC, last day of the week.

This morning, I have been asked to regroup the points under 'scanners' as what I have done in the fab yesterday turns out to be unproductive. Yesterday, I have set the group as 'scanners' and locations as each individual points for measurement. However, after transferring the settings to the charge plate monitor, the MA will be requiring to press the 'NEXT' button until the desired location before pressing the 'START' button. Miss Pascale said that this is unproductive and will be a waste of time and battery of the charge plate monitor.

Thus, I have been thinking for better solutions for this problem. Unfortunately, I still did not managed to have a perfect solution. Ideas that I had did not solve the entire problem. My ideas only managed to lessen the number of time pressing the button but the exact points locations couldn't be shown.

And after lunch, fab activity again! Never thought that I would get to go to the fab so many times. Today is the third time time this week. (^^)

Today was at fab to try out some setting for the particle counter monitor, similar to what I have done for the charge plate monitor yesterday. After finished setting up the monitor, I have to take photos on the steps (in detail) of operating the monitors, for both the particle counter monitor and the charge plate monitor. This is for future ease of reference.

That's all for today and this week. Tomorrow is Saturday. Weekends!!~~ (^^)

Week 1 - 18 Oct 2012 - Thu

Fourth day at SSMC.

Today started off with what I had done yesterday which was not mentioned in yesterday's post. I had identified and calculated the points for 'scanners' and 'corridors' from the whole fab. And after consultation form Miss Pascale, we have decided to have 2 charts for each category.

The current total number of charts that we will be requiring to create is 161 charts. The photo below shows the number of charts for the different categories.

Miss Pascale said that before I can create the charts, I have to understand the process and procedures of the Manufacturing Assistance (MA) taking measurements. This is to ensure the charts that I create can be valid under any circumstances. Thus, I need to know all possible scenarios that might happen.

So, I am required to visit the fab again. And I did. This afternoon, I went to the fab again but this time was alone. And even with Miss Pascale's verbal directions given, I am still confused... In the end, Miss Pascale drew me a 'map'. XP

I went there to see how the charge plate monitor works and to try setting up 'groups' and 'locations' in the PC and transfer to the charge plate monitor. The fab personnel, Azizah, was very friendly and kind to me. She showed me the steps and was helping me with the try-out as they had never done that before. And after some time, the set up was successful. (^^) The photo below shows the operator's guide for the charge plate monitor and because I was going in the fab which is of cleanroom environment, normal paper cannot be brought in. Hence, another copy is printed using cleanroom papers.

My last bit of work for today was to list out all points for future ease of reference. However, no photo taken. ;P That's all for today, I guess... Anyway, tomorrow is Friday! My first Firday since attachment started... ;P

Week 1 - 17 Oct 2012 - Wed

Third day at SSMC.

Today, I categorized the different monitoring items for the Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) tests by the areas that these tests will be performed in. I have organised my work in a table format, hoping that it will be easier for people to view it.

I have also read up notes and report on the different monitoring items and tests to have better understanding on them. It was pretty hard to understand them at first as there were many acronyms used. For example, HBM stands for Human Body Model and CPM stands for Charge Plate Monitoring.

Thus, when I had finished all required work, I went on to read the reports and take down notes on all the acronyms used for future reference. During reading of the reports, I found that some of were seen yesterday during the fab visit (with Miss Pascale's explaining them to me).

With that, I find that sometimes visual exposures allow me to remember things better. (^^)

Week 1 - 16 Oct 2012 - Tue

Second day at SSMC.

Today, I spent my time in listing out the areas in SSMC that require environment monitoring and I get to familiarize with the different lab areas that SSMC has.

For example, all support rooms are located on the third floor. A support room is part of a fab but it is outside the main room. It also does not consist of a sub fab like the main room does. I also got to know that the Mask Incoming Quality Control Room (MIQC) is a place to store reticle and stocker is a storage room for wafer.

After listing out the areas that require environment monitoring, I carried on grouping the areas by the measuring units and the parameters which includes particle monitoring, air velocity monitoring and ionization monitoring.

After which, I made drawings and divided the ball room / photo area into 8 zones and in each zone, calculations had been made to check the number of measurement data to be collected per year. Similar stuff is also done for the Chemical Mechanical Planerisation (CMP) area.The photo below shows the drawing and calculations that I had done. (^^)

A rough calculation had been made and I found out that we will have to create around 150 charts or even more... What a challenge!

The most exciting part of today's experience is the FAB visiting!!! Instead of reading about the different areas from papers, I actually get to see them REAL. And the different equipment and tools used to measure particle, air velocity and ionization too. Things that I've only get to see from TV, I get to experience them today...

Have you experience wearing a jumpsuit before entering the fab? Not to mention the cap, gloves and shoes. (^^)

Week 1 - 15 Oct 2012 - Mon

Reported to Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Co. Pte. Ltd. (SSMC) today for first day of my attachment.

We had a short tour in the company and followed by videos watching to know more about SSMC. We also had briefing from Miss Katherine from the Human Resource department and I am attached to the Quality Systems & Information Management (QSIM) division, Quality & Reliability Assurance (QRA) department and Quality Engineering Management (QEM) sector. (^^)  

After which, I met up with my supervisor, Miss Pascale Tan, who is the Principal Engineer from the QRA department, and we proceeded to the office... 

Miss Pascale mentioned to me that I will be doing a project on setting up a Real Time Environment Monitoring Statistical Process Control (SPC). 

The photo below shows the notes and handbooks that I have looked and read through the whole of today to have a better understanding of the concept of environment monitoring which includes particles, air velocity and ionization. Though I have read through them several times, I am still doing my best in understanding them. Fortunately, I have Miss Pascale for consultation thus I had managed to get the big idea of the complex concept. 

Miss Pascale mentioned that tomorrow she will be showing me the SPC charts and I am really looking forward to it. I hope that I will be able to help Miss Pascale in setting up a Real Time Environment Monitoring Statistical Process Control (SPC) for SSMC.