Taiwan’s SunMoon Lake Corporation (SMC), a global leader in semiconductor packaging and testing, has been making significant strides in sustainability through the integration of digital technologies and agile methodologies. The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its numerous projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency, all facilitated by its innovative approach to team collaboration.
Agile Teams Drive Sustainability Projects
SMC’s dedication to sustainability is exemplified by the establishment of its agile teams, which are responsible for implementing over a hundred sustainability projects annually. These projects range from small-scale initiatives to large-scale transformation efforts. The company has adopted modern IT development practices to build agile teams that operate with a small steps, rapid iteration approach to project implementation.
Each team’s composition adjusts according to the project, demonstrating high agility, even to the point of being considered an agile team, says Yen Chien-ming, Deputy Director of the Occupational Safety and Health Department at SMC’s Kaohsiung plant.
Digital Transformation and Sustainable Development
The integration of digital technology into SMC’s sustainability efforts began in 2011 with the establishment of the Smart Manufacturing Committee. As the benefits of digital transformation became apparent, the company further incorporated these advancements into its sustainability initiatives, leveraging digital technology to achieve its sustainable development goals and accelerate the pace of transformation.
Yen notes that SMC’s past energy-saving targets typically met only the requirements of the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Bureau of Energy, such as reducing energy consumption by 1% to 2% annually. However, through the application of digital technology, the company has been able to set more ambitious targets of 3% to 5% energy reduction.
Deepening Collaboration Between Sustainability and IT Departments
To integrate digital technology into its sustainability transformation, SMC has gradually deepened collaboration between its sustainability department and the IT department. Since completing its first smart factory in 2018, the two departments have worked increasingly closely together.
However, the initial collaboration faced challenges due to a lack of common language and communication difficulties. Yen explains that the departments invested considerable time in translating their respective professional languages into content that was understandable to each other. This process has led to smoother communication and the effective resolution of existing communication challenges.
Mixed Agile Teams and Digital Tools
In 2020, SMC’s sustainability development entered a new phase, with the company adopting DevOps agile development for sustainable project development. This approach involved the formation of mixed teams composed of members from the IT and sustainability departments, working collaboratively to achieve small, rapid iterations of development.
The process involves the sustainability unit completing process organization based on management and regulatory requirements before submitting the requirements to IT responsible parties. The teams then discuss and develop IT specifications, which are then handed over to the development team for implementation. This cross-departmental agile team delivers rapid system function delivery and feedback, resulting in systems or functions that better meet the needs of the sustainability unit.
Achievements and Future Plans
SMC’s agile teams have brought about numerous achievements in sustainable applications. For example, the establishment of a chemical concentration monitoring mechanism in the workplace is one such application. In addition, the company has continuously improved its factory carbon emissions management through the introduction of AI for energy management optimization.
Looking ahead, SMC plans to use AI to assist in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in manufacturing processes. The company is also developing applications similar to ChatGPT to provide internal staff with knowledge answering services.
SMC’s commitment to sustainability and the integration of digital technologies demonstrate the company’s dedication to innovation and environmental responsibility. By leveraging agile teams and digital tools, SMC is well-positioned to achieve its sustainability goals and contribute to a more sustainable future.
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