The semiconductor industry is booming, with a 19.3% year-over-year sales increase being seen in May 2024, according to research by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA).
This surge is driven by uncertainty about the domestic supply of semiconductors, as society becomes more digitalised and the UK Government pushes to increase supply on a national level.
In addition to labour challenges, procurement of materials poses significant hurdles
Here, Frank Forsberg, Customer Success Manager at ALICE Technologies, explains how the construction sector can help increase the supply of semiconductors through more efficient and timely construction of factories by utilising AI-powered planning and scheduling software.
Time and cost challenges
The financial stakes in semiconductor projects are high. Semiconductor developments often involve incentives from the government or large investor groups that require them to be completed in a specific timeframe. This forces construction projects to meet strict deadlines or risk losing the financial support that has been offered.
Meeting project targets without clashing with other large projects in the area also requires careful coordination and planning
These dates are critical as they enable immediate revenue generation from microchip production, which is a high priority for the UK Government.
Labour and procurement considerations
Constructing semiconductor facilities at the needed speed and scale will always lead to procurement and labour challenges as the demand for skilled and experienced people and materials increases.
One significant factor is that semiconductors must be manufactured in a highly controlled environment to minimise product defects that would limit effectiveness.
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