How strong is an ecosystem in which all the cells are interdependent? That’s something the people at VIRO know a thing or two about. While a longtime partner of ASML, the engineering firm remains independent, which has only enhanced the quality of its services.
VIRO has enjoyed a close partnership with ASML for many years. In the past few years, the relationship has become more professional, according to VIRO programme manager Marco Storm. ‘Projects are now described in greater detail for specific orders, we’re measuring processes more, we’ve started using KPIs. Most of these are related to QLTC, which stands for quality, logistics, technology and costs.’
Storm notes that leading-edge companies are building new processors and new phones even smaller in size and faster than the ones currently available on the market. ‘They’re relying on the most advanced lithographic systems, which can produce the smallest possible circuits. Yet trends such as the Internet of Things, where you can use a simplified type of computer chip to enable, for example, microwaves to communicate with refrigerators, actually call for less sophisticated lithographic systems. In those cases, factors such as lower operating costs and superior reliability are far more important. VIRO’s added value is not just in the design process; it’s also about tying up all the loose ends on the engineering side and finding the detailed solutions needed to improve overall quality.’
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