For a long time, Samsung Electronics has been trying to certify its HBM3E memory to Nvidia’s requirements in order to begin supplying it to this largest manufacturer of computing accelerators. According to Korean sources, Samsung’s business restructuring involves a radical update of the supply chain for materials and equipment necessary for the production of HBM.
Image Source: Samsung Electronics
As ET News notes, Samsung Electronics recently began reviewing its contracts with suppliers of materials and equipment used in packaging HBM memory. Among equipment suppliers, only those that supply solutions that ensure the required level of product quality will continue to work with Samsung. All past merits of the partners will not be considered as a decisive factor influencing the possibility of concluding new contracts.
The company is even allegedly trying to return a batch of equipment purchased earlier, since not all of it meets the new, more stringent requirements. In addition to focusing on the quality of products produced on the equipment, Samsung will focus on diversifying its supply chains. This will support competition and interest partners in providing quality services. In addition, the presence of multiple suppliers allows you to protect the company’s business in case of various force majeure circumstances.
For programs that involved joint development of new products with partners, Samsung previously adhered to cooperation with a single supplier. Priority will now be given to retaining multiple suppliers, an approach that will begin next year. It is possible that partners of its competitors will begin cooperation with Samsung in this area. Since the range of materials used in packaging chips is also tied to specific equipment, the range of suppliers of consumables will inevitably expand. It is possible that Samsung will begin to equally use the services of Korean and foreign suppliers. In the future, if this experience gives positive results in the field of memory production, it will be extended to other areas of activity of Samsung Electronics.