Symphony Engineering
Bridging the Automation Gap in Semiconductor Inspection

The move toward automation in inspection processes is inevitable. But it doesn’t mean replacing legacy systems in favor of new technologies. Rather, the automated systems must meld with tried and true manual workflows honed over the years.

In the semiconductor domain, Symphony Engineering is a leader in facilitating this seamless transition, navigating the intersection of traditional inspection methodologies and modern automation.

“Rather than urging clients to invest in brand-new equipment, we often find that optimizing their existing systems can achieve better automation objectives. Our approach is to deliver tailored, cost-effective solutions while addressing client’s automation setbacks,” says Ryan Lee, sales director of Symphony Engineering.

Symphony’s strategy hinges on three ‘Es’: bringing expertise, expressing through support, and bringing economic sensibility.

When it comes to expertise, with its team members averaging more than 15 years in the semiconductor quality control sector, Symphony commands a level of proficiency that builds customer trust and offers a distinct competitive advantage. The ISO 17025 accreditation for its quality assurance/functional assurance (QA/ FA) equipment is an added bonus.

To match the semiconductor industry’s high-velocity demands, it has also established a comprehensive local service support network across all its locations. Its striking service-to sales ratio of 1:5 ensures rapid and effective client assistance.

And it doesn’t stop there; Symphony’s commitment to cost-effectiveness and a keen focus on ROI equips clients with valuable solutions for making compelling cases to their management teams.

These core tenets create a synergistic strategy, and help the company navigate the complexities of backend semiconductor inspection, particularly within the Southeast Asian market.

The first challenge it tackles is the transition from manual to automated inspection processes. Symphony ensures its multifaceted automated systems replicate the results of traditional manual inspections.

These span from initial wafer inspections to intricate measurements involving dye and wire bonds, bond testing, and even specialized procedures like X-ray and acoustic inspections. These capabilities are enhanced by Symphony’s Statistical Process Control (SPC) software, ensuring a unified and efficient workflow.

Equally pressing issue it solves is the financial burden associated with upgrading inspection equipment, often met with budgetary constraints. Symphony urges clients to consider the long-term benefits and value of investing in automated inspection solutions. This message especially resonates with clients in the automotive chip industry, where high-quality inspections are non-negotiable.

That said, to bring down the cost, Symphony adds a geographical dimension to its strategic advantage. Symphony’s Malacca facility, in particular, is pivotal in this approach. Situated near industry giants like Infineon Technologies AG, Texas Instruments, and STMicro, the facility is less than an hour’s drive from these key players. This location enhances the company’s ability to foster close partnerships and provide rapid response times.

Recently, Symphony invested in scaling operations through a new 21,000-square-foot facility in Malacca. This state-of-the-art center supports various business domains and serves as a hub for customized projects. The company’s service engineers based in Manila and its esteemed presence in Penang further solidify Symphony’s cost-effective strategy.

Global partnerships form another cornerstone of Symphony’s stronghold in the domain. It maintains partnerships with global brands like cyberTECHNOLOGIES and PVA Tepla from Germany, UHS and Cores from Japan, CSUN from Taiwan, and Unicomp and TRY Precision from China, to offer the best of both worlds in terms of maintaining competitive pricing and quality.

With this unique blend of geographical proximity to key industry players, global partnerships, and advanced facilities, Symphony is primed to set new standards in the semiconductor inspection industry. Its presence in emerging markets like Batam, Indonesia, complements its proactive vision for constantly tapping into new growth avenues.