IBM and Camstar provide ASAT with integrated enterprise resource planning and manufacturing execution solution to enhance business processes.

Camstar and IBM Corporation announced recently that ASAT Holdings Limited will install a totally integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES) solution, as the result of IBM and Camstar's strategic alliance.

ASAT, a global provider of semiconductor assembly, test and package design services, will have real-time information to accelerate time-to-market, reduce support and implementation costs, and ensure consistent product quality for its manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong and China. ASAT selected Camstar and IBM to provide total integration between ASAT's SAP R/3 Enterprise solution as part of the mySAP Business Suite family of solutions and Camstar's MES InSite Semiconductor TAP Edition.

The joint IBM and Camstar MES solution will be integrated into ASAT's new SAP R/3 Enterprise solution to accommodate the needs for enterprise connectivity, visibility and synchronization of its global production activities. The solution will provide real-time visibility and control of the manufacturing process, from financial data to the production process, across the company's geographically dispersed manufacturing operations.

"With Camstar's proven semiconductor solution and IBM's industry expertise, we will have the ability to make changes, track production, ensure quality control, and deliver lower costs, lower risks and higher profits to our customers," said George A. Shaw, Jr., senior vice president of operations and managing director of manufacturing for ASAT Holdings Limited.

Additionally, Camstar's MES system provides ASAT with unparalleled flexibility to implement order or specification changes without disrupting operations, making new information immediately available to all users.

"As a contract manufacturer, we require a flexible cost-effective management system that provides us with the agility to manage multiple manufacturing jobs simultaneously," Shaw said. "Implementation of the MES will prove invaluable in the integration of our SAP R/3 Enterprise solution for our China manufacturing facility into other operational facilities, headquarters support functions and company-wide IS/IT infrastructure."

Camstar's InSite Semiconductor TAP Edition is based on Camstar's high performance architecture and allows companies to quickly tailor the software for multiple and unique factory environments while standardizing on a single technology. IBM's broad electronics industry expertise as a global systems integrator and ability to act as the single source for implementation will enable ASAT to take full advantage of the Camstar solution.

"ASAT, like all aggressive competitors in this industry, faces extreme cost, quality and manufacturing agility pressures," said Daniel D. Crandall, Principal, IBM Business Consulting Services, Asia Pacific. "It was necessary to make this implementation very cost competitive and targeted to immediate business needs, while ensuring future flexibility and functionality. ASAT will continue to be a leader in this industry because its management team understands that it is not enough just to survive the present downturn, you have to execute now against a vision for the future. IBM is pleased to have the opportunity to work with Camstar to help ASAT achieve that vision."