Training Best Practices/Communities of Specialists at Lam Research

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Case Studies - Communities of Specialists

Title:
Communities of Specialists.

Description:
How to utilize Communities of Specialists to ensure rapid capture and sharing of knowledge

Problem Statement
Lam Research manufactures complex capital equipment for the Semiconductor Industry. These tools are used worldwide by companies to produce integrated circuits. Technology is changing rapidly and most significant production learning occurs in the field, on customer's tools. A method was needed to ensure that this learning is captured, archived and shared rapidly.

Strategy

 * Create communities of specialists for major areas of learning

Action Plan

 * Define major areas of learning (e.g. wafer handling, software, defects)
 * Identify leader for each major area
 * Define specialists worldwide who have key skills in major areas
 * Create checklist of required skills and competencies
 * Establish regular forum of specialists

Lessons Learned

 * It is critical to have a leader who plays an active role in establishing and creating the community
 * Need to provide rapid response initially until the community becomes self sustaining

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