Vishay Leverages Advantech’s WISE-iEMS for Energy Management Solutions across Asia-Pacific
2023/8/2
Interview with Hai Tsai, Asia-Pacific’s Senior Director of IEHS Vishay Semiconductor
Real-Time Energy Management Data Reporting in Semiconductor Facilities
Vishay Semiconductor Asia-Pacific’s Senior Director of IEHS, Hai Tsai, emphasized that Vishay Group acknowledged the significance of energy management early on, incorporating energy management systems in several of its factories. Although these systems automatically collated and analyzed energy source data to help formulate relevant energy conservation and emission reduction strategies and goals, there was no real-time data. Energy use data was still consolidated at regular intervals, but all comparisons, analyses, and reviews were performed days, weeks, or even months after the fact. Consequently, any energy strategies yielded suboptimal results simply because the overall process took too long.
Two Enhancements and Four Reductions from Smart Management
First, real-time reporting of equipment energy consumption, carbon emissions statistics, and energy management KPI calculations has significantly improved energy management efficiency in the factory. “Once iEMS/ECOWatch is implemented in each plant, Vishay can compare factories horizontally and continuously identify areas for improvement," emphasized Mr. Tsai. In line with ESG trends, Vishay’s supply chain has strong demands regarding carbon reduction strategies, and WISE-iEMS/ECOWatch can aid in ensuring those demands are met with minimal effort.
Second, being able to monitor plant equipment and calculate equipment operation efficiency indices based on actual energy consumption and equipment utilization rates means the factory can gauge equipment wear and tear and plan for maintenance accordingly. This avoids unnecessary energy loss from outdated equipment while enhancing the plant’s efficiency.
Third, it boosts work efficiency and reduces time and human resource demands. Mr. Tsai further explained that previously, data had to be extracted and compiled from monthly or annual financial reports, but WISE-iEMS makes it possible to easily present energy management information to customers. It can also automatically gather data and generate reports, considerably reducing time and human resource costs for customer audits.
Overall, implementing WISE-iEMS at the Xi’an plant has yielded two enhancements and four reductions: significant improvements in equipment efficiency and resource utilization; and reduced production costs, equipment maintenance costs, equipment failure rates, and human resource demand.
Two Key Reasons for Choosing Advantech as a Sustainable Partner
First, Advantech’s system architecture combines both on-site deployment and cloud integration. Mr. Tsai noted that many energy management solutions from other international powerhouses are primarily cloud-based with no on-site deployment option. However, Advantech’s WISE-IoT platform can be deployed locally with the option to store data centrally on a private cloud.
Second, Advantech’s WISE-iEMS provides low-code design with high flexibility, offering standard products and additional custom system development services. Mr. Tsai underscored that energy management is not static, and KPIs may shift based on operational status, external factors, and the group’s energy conservation goals. Furthermore, Vishay has unique internal systems, making it necessary for them to adjust and customize the energy management system for various reasons.
Nevertheless, most international brands’ software development centers are situated in Europe or the United States, causing communication delays and potentially high costs if development is needed. By contrast, Advantech’s engineering team provides local support, and their customer-centric approach enables engineers to proactively assist in resolving system implementation challenges, particularly during customization.
Looking ahead, Vishay will continue to deepen its partnership with Advantech, further promoting the implementation of energy management systems in its Asia-Pacific factories. The group will also explore other smart applications for WISE-iEMS, such as adopting the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for facility preventive maintenance or utilizing carbon asset inventory services to streamline sustainable reporting operations.
“Advantech and Vishay share a common commitment to sustainability goals for our planet, and both companies are actively involved in promoting ESG,” remarked Mr. Tsai. He is confident that with a shared vision, collaboration between the two companies will contribute significantly to optimizing Vishay Group’s energy utilization efficiency by reducing carbon emissions and production costs while ensuring sustainable business operations and environmental sustainability—creating a situation of mutual benefit for Advantech, Vishay, and the planet.
Case Benefits:
- Improved equipment efficiency and resource utilization
- Reduced production costs and human resources
- Decreased equipment maintenance costs and equipment failure rates